Kuwait has been ranked second in the Gulf region and 40th globally among 82 countries included in the “Global Migration Index 2026” issued by Remitly, which evaluates the world’s most attractive destinations for expatriates and migrant workers.

The index assesses countries based on living standards, employment opportunities, income levels, safety, public services, and overall quality of life, offering a comprehensive overview of conditions that influence migration decisions worldwide.

According to the report, Kuwait advanced one position compared to last year, ranking second globally in terms of the density of expatriate populations relative to total population.

The findings highlight Kuwait’s continued reliance on expatriate labour across key sectors, including energy, healthcare, construction, and domestic services.

The report also noted Kuwait’s strong economic environment, citing its relatively low unemployment rate, where it ranked fifth globally among the ten countries with the lowest unemployment levels.

This reflects the resilience of the national economy and its ability to generate stable employment opportunities for both citizens and expatriates.

At the regional level, the United Arab Emirates maintained its position as the country with the highest proportion of foreign residents globally, while Kuwait followed in second place, reinforcing the Gulf’s dominance as a major global hub for migrant labour.

Luxembourg and Oman also featured prominently in the rankings, reflecting their growing attractiveness to foreign workers due to strong financial sectors and expanding infrastructure and energy projects.

The index was compiled using 34 indicators across 16 migration categories, drawing on data from international institutions including the World Bank, OECD, and leading academic research centers.

Countries were assessed on a standardized scale covering income, healthcare, safety, infrastructure, integration, and overall migrant experience.

The report further highlighted that Switzerland topped the 2026 global ranking, followed by Iceland, Luxembourg, Australia, and Germany, underscoring strong performance among advanced economies with high living standards and well-developed social systems.

It added that Kuwait’s position reflects the continued importance of expatriate communities in shaping its demographic and economic landscape, particularly as the country advances development across public and private sectors.