In a major development for Kuwait’s labour market, the Kuwait workforce grows by 3% during the first half of 2025, driven largely by an increase in expatriate labour. This surge signals both recovery and reform in the country’s employment ecosystem, as sectors ranging from construction to health care see rising demand for manpower.
As the Kuwait workforce grows, experts are closely monitoring the balance between citizen employment and foreign labour contributions. While the growth is seen as a positive sign for the economy, it also raises important questions about job distribution, nationalisation efforts, and labour rights.
Government data shows a steady labor increase
According to the latest report from Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), the total workforce reached over 2.93 million by mid-2025, up from 2.84 million at the end of 2024. This marks a 3% growth in the national workforce.
The rise was mostly seen in the non-Kuwaiti segment, with expatriate workers making up nearly 83% of the total labour force. On the other hand, the number of Kuwaiti workers remained relatively stable, with only a slight 0.4% increase in local participation.
This trend confirms the growing reliance on foreign talent across various sectors and highlights the structural nature of Kuwait’s labour model.
Major sectors benefiting from the labor surge
The sectors that recorded the highest influx of expatriate workers include construction, household services, and health care.
- Construction and infrastructure projects experienced a 5.6% rise in manpower.
- Domestic labour, including housemaids and drivers, grew by 4.1%.
- Medical and caregiving services reported a 3.8% increase, especially due to expanding private clinics and eldercare homes.
As the Kuwait workforce grows, it is clear that these industries rely heavily on skilled and semi-skilled expatriates to function efficiently.
Impact on Kuwaitization efforts
The increase in foreign labour raises concerns about the slow pace of Kuwaitization the national policy aimed at increasing the number of Kuwaitis in private sector jobs.
Although government programs continue to encourage youth employment and entrepreneurship, the rising cost of living and job preference for public sector roles have discouraged many Kuwaitis from entering fields where expatriates dominate.
The 3% growth in total workforce highlights this gap. While overall employment figures are improving, the share of Kuwaitis in private employment remains under 10%.
Labor ministry plans a review
In response to the new data, Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Lab or has announced a plan to review hiring policies and labour quotas.
Officials aim to create a balanced and sustainable labour market that supports economic growth without compromising opportunities for nationals. The review will include:
- Revising visa policies for low-skilled workers
- Promoting vocational training for Kuwaiti youth
- Incentivizing private companies to hire locals
Authorities said that while the Kuwait workforce grows, it is vital to ensure that citizens are not left behind in the process.
Economic indicators and private sector confidence
Economists say that the workforce expansion reflects growing private sector confidence, especially in real estate, retail, and logistics.
Several large-scale developments, including housing projects and entertainment complexes, have restarted since the post-pandemic recovery, creating thousands of jobs for foreign labourers.
The 3% workforce growth also coincides with an uptick in foreign investment, suggesting that Kuwait is on a path of steady economic diversification.
Challenges posed by rising expatriate numbers
Despite the positives, the surge in foreign workers has raised alarms about infrastructure stress and demographic imbalances.
- Housing demand is rising, especially for labour accommodations.
- Public services like transportation and waste management are under pressure.
- Social integration remains a challenge, with limited engagement between locals and foreigners.
Human rights groups also point to concerns about the treatment of domestic workers and laborers, calling for stronger protections and timely salary payments.
As the Kuwait workforce grows, these issues must be addressed to ensure equitable growth for all segments.
Voices from the workforce
Mohammad Asif, a 32-year-old electrician from India, says that job opportunities in Kuwait have improved in 2025 compared to the past two years.
“I came here in 2022 but found very little work until recently. Now, there are many projects, and companies are hiring again,” he says.
Meanwhile, local business owners say finding skilled Kuwaiti workers is still difficult.
“I’m happy the labour market is improving, but we want more Kuwaitis to take part,” says Fatima Al-Enezi, who runs a cleaning services company in Hawally.
Demographic profile of the workforce
The updated figures show a wide demographic range among the workforce:
- Male workers account for 64% of the total
- Female workers, mostly in domestic and health care roles, make up 36%
- The largest expatriate groups are from India, Egypt, Bangladesh, and the Philippines
This multicultural labour force brings both strengths and complications to Kuwait’s job landscape.
Plans to restructure labor permits
Kuwait is also planning to digitise and regulate its labour permit system to prevent illegal hiring and control labour flow.
The government has proposed:
- A centralized portal for all work permit applications
- Tighter monitoring of labor agents and employers
- A blacklist system for companies found violating labor rights
These changes aim to enhance transparency while maintaining the flexibility that businesses require.
Regional comparisons
Compared to its Gulf neighbours, Kuwait’s 3% workforce growth is moderate. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have seen higher increases, thanks to major reforms and investments in new sectors.
However, Kuwait’s cautious approach allows it to monitor social balance and public opinion more closely.
Analysts believe that as long as the Kuwait workforce grows in a managed and structured way, the country can avoid the pitfalls of labour oversupply.
Kuwait’s population and future labor needs
As of mid-2025, Kuwait’s total population is estimated to be around 4.5 million, with expatriates accounting for nearly 70%.
If the current growth rate continues, the labour market will need further reforms to absorb new workers without overloading public systems.
Planners are also looking at regional developments, such as digital economy jobs, green energy projects, and artificial intelligence roles, to align future training programs with evolving needs.
Summary: Growth with responsibility
The 3% increase in Kuwait’s workforce offers both opportunities and responsibilities.
The government must:
- Ensure fair working conditions for all workers
- Prioritize training and employment for locals
- Manage infrastructure and services efficiently
As the Kuwait workforce grows, maintaining a balance between economic goals and social harmony remains the top priority.
Final Thought
Kuwait’s workforce is growing again, showing signs of recovery and optimism. However, true success lies in how the country manages this growth making sure that every worker, whether Kuwaiti or expatriate, has a fair chance to contribute and benefit.
With smart planning and inclusive policies, Kuwait can turn this labour surge into long-term economic strength.
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