Indians hold 30 percent of the workforce

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 22: The latest statistical reports from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) reveal that Kuwait's total population reached 4,918,570 by the end of June 2024. This figure represents an increase of 5,299 individuals compared to the 4,913,271 recorded on January 1, 2024.

Population breakdown

The statistics indicate that the number of Kuwaiti citizens has risen to 1,559,925, up from 1,545,781 in January 2024. This reflects an increase of 14,144 Kuwaitis over the past six months. Conversely, the expatriate population has decreased to 3,358,645 from 3,367,490, marking a reduction of 8,845 individuals.

Demographics by nationality

Kuwaitis now make up 32% of the total population, while expatriates constitute 68%. The breakdown of resident nationalities is as follows: 21% Indian, 13% Egyptian, 6% Bangladeshi, and 5% Filipino. Saudi, Syrian, Nepalese, and Sri Lankan nationals each account for 3% of the population, with other nationalities making up the remaining percentage.

Workforce composition

The total number of employed individuals in Kuwait’s public and private sectors is 2,178,008. Within this, 516,397 are employed in the public sector, representing 24% of the workforce, while 1,661,611 work in the private sector, making up 76% of the total workforce.

The employment distribution by nationality shows that Indians hold the largest share at 24.2%, followed by Kuwaitis at 21.9%, Egyptians at 21.7%, and Bangladeshis at 8.5%. Other nationalities, including Nepalese, Pakistanis, Syrians, Filipinos, Jordanians, and Saudis, account for smaller percentages.

Sector contributions

Kuwaitis contribute the largest percentage to the government sector at 78.31%. Other significant contributions include Egyptians at 7.21%, Indians at 4.36%, and Saudis at 2.09%. In contrast, the private sector is dominated by Indians at 30.4%, followed by Egyptians at 26.6%, Bangladeshis at 10.6%, and Nepalese at 5.1%. Kuwaitis contribute 4.3%, while Pakistanis, Syrians, Filipinos, Jordanians, and Saudis each represent smaller portions.

Domestic workers

In terms of domestic workers, Indians make up the largest group at 43.8%, followed by Filipinos at 21.1%, Sri Lankans at 15.4%, and Bangladeshis at 11.1%. Nepalese, Ethiopians, Beninese, Malians, Indonesians, and Madagascan nationals represent smaller proportions.

Employment distribution

Among the total workforce, Indians lead with 30%, followed by Kuwaitis and Egyptians, each at 16%. Bangladeshis account for 9%, Filipinos 8%, and Sri Lankans 5%. Nepalese represent 4%, with Syrians and Pakistanis at 2% each, and Jordanians at 1%. Other nationalities make up the remaining 7%.

Top professions

For Kuwaitis, the top professions are: Government Executive, Army Soldier, Office Worker, Secretary, Manager, Religious Education Teacher, General Accountant, Kindergarten Teacher, and Arabic Language Teacher.

Among expatriates, the most common professions are: Home Servant, Private Car Driver, Market Seller, Regular Worker, Bed Courier, Passport Correspondent, Light Truck Driver, Cleaner, Waiter, and Warehouse Loader.