A new figure has emerged regarding people living and working in Gulf countries. According to the latest official report, the total population of six GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain) has reached about 62 million. The biggest thing in this is that more than half i.e. about 35 million people are foreign workers. Among these, a large number are Indians who live in these countries for employment.
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How many foreign workers live in which Gulf country?
According to official figures, the population of Gulf countries is increasing very rapidly. The main reason for this is the migrants working there.
UAE and Qatar: About 88 to 90 percent of the total population here are foreigners.
Kuwait: About 66 percent of the people here are immigrants from other countries.
Bahrain and Oman: The number of foreign workers in these two countries is about 50 percent.
Saudi Arabia: One-third (about 33 percent) of the people in the region’s largest country are foreigners.
What new rules came into effect for workers in 2026?
Many new labor and visa rules have been implemented for foreign workers in 2026, which will have a direct impact on common migrants.
GCC Unified Labor Law: Uniform labor rules have been implemented across the region from January 1, 2026, making it mandatory to keep employment contracts online.
Fines in Saudi Arabia: Hiring a worker without a permit will attract a fine of 10,000 riyals. If a company retains the passport or Iqama of a worker, it will have to pay a fine of 3,000 Riyals per worker.
Oman Family Visa: Oman has reduced the minimum salary limit for foreign nationals to sponsor their family from 350 OMR to 150 OMR.
New GCC Visa: By the end of 2026, a trial of a single visa system like Europe’s Schengen visa will start, the fee of which could be between 100 to 150 dollars.
Current territorial disputes and security of migrants
Due to the recent tension in the Gulf region, many countries have started taking precautions regarding security. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources has continued to provide remote work guidelines for the private sector. Apart from this, emergency rules regarding national airspace are also active in Bahrain. The Government of India and other countries are constantly monitoring the safety of their citizens so that appropriate action can be taken if necessary.