Where do the 35 million foreigners living in the GCC come from? | Infographic News
Foreign Workers Represent Half of GCC Population
More than half of the 62 million people residing in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are foreign workers. This demographic includes a significant number of expatriates from South Asia, contributing to the economies of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to recent data, these nations host approximately 35 million foreign workers, who play essential roles in various sectors, from construction to healthcare. Except for Saudi Arabia and Oman, foreign workers constitute the majority of the populations in the other four GCC countries.
Origins of Foreign Workers
The GCC’s foreign workforce has historically been crucial to the region’s economic development. Many laborers, domestic staff, security personnel, and skilled professionals have settled in these nations, shaping their modern infrastructures.
In total, foreign nationals from the following countries account for the largest groups within the GCC:
- India: 9.1 million
- Bangladesh: 5 million
- Pakistan: 4.9 million
- Egypt: 3.3 million
- Philippines: 2.2 million
- Yemen: 2.2 million
- Sudan: 1.1 million
- Nepal: 1.2 million
- Syria: 694,000
- Sri Lanka: 650,000
Country-Specific Breakdown
Saudi Arabia
With nearly 37 million people, Saudi Arabia is the largest GCC country. It has about 20.5 million locals and approximately 16.4 million foreign residents. The most prominent foreign groups include:
- Bangladesh: 2.59 million
- India: 2.31 million
- Pakistan: 2.23 million
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE follows with a population of 11.3 million, where Emiratis comprise about 12% of the population. The largest foreign groups are:
- India: 4.36 million
- Pakistan: 1.9 million
- Bangladesh: 840,000
Kuwait
Kuwait has a population of 4.8 million, with approximately 2.16 million being foreign workers. Major expatriate populations include:
- India: 1 million
- Egypt: 700,000
- Bangladesh: 350,000
Oman
Approximately 4.7 million people live in Oman, with foreign workers accounting for 41%, roughly 2.05 million. The largest groups are:
- India: 766,735
- Bangladesh: 718,856
- Pakistan: 268,868
Qatar
With a population of about 3.2 million, Qatar has a foreign worker percentage nearing 88%. The largest foreign groups are:
- India: 700,000
- Bangladesh: 400,000
- Nepal: 400,000
Bahrain
Bahrain, the smallest GCC country with 1.58 million residents, has a significant expatriate workforce. The largest groups of non-nationals include:
- India: 350,000
- Bangladesh: 150,000
- Pakistan: 120,000
This demographic composition underscores the critical role that foreign workers play in the economies and societies of the Gulf nations, highlighting the intersection of labor and international relations in a region that continues to attract migrants seeking opportunity.
