GCC Nationals Registered In Pension Systems Surges To 16.8 Thousand By End Of 2023

The number of GCC nationals registered in pension systems across member states rose to 16,800 by the end of 2023, up from 4,100 in 2007. This marks a 311.4% increase, according to the GCC Statistical Centre. Similarly, those registered in social insurance systems reached 17,200 in 2023, compared to 3,800 in 2007, reflecting a 347.9% rise.

In the UAE, the number of GCC nationals from other member states registered in the pension system reached 9,500 in 2019. This represents a significant increase of 513.3% since 2007. Omanis made up the largest group at 81.9%, followed by Bahrainis at 8.9%, and other member states at 9.2%.

The UAE also saw an increase in social insurance registrations from other GCC nationals, reaching 6,900 by 2021. This is a substantial rise of 2561.5% compared to figures from 2007. Omanis again led with a share of 62.4%, followed by Saudis at 19%, and other GCC citizens at 18.6%.

Bahrain's pension system recorded registrations of other GCC nationals reaching 422 in 2023, marking a growth of 234.9% since 2007. Saudis were the majority at 66.1%, followed by Omanis at 17.5%, and other GCC citizens at 16.4%. However, Bahrain's social insurance system saw a decrease to 535 registrations in the same year, down by 4.3% from 2007.

In Saudi Arabia's pension system, only two other GCC nationals were registered in 2023, an impressive drop of 88.2% compared to numbers from 2007. Meanwhile, their social insurance system saw an increase to about 6,700 registrations—a rise of over fivefold—with Bahrainis making up the largest group at half (50.7%).

Oman's pension system had registrations for just under sixty (59) other GCC nationals in the same year—a decline of nearly one-third (28.3%) since earlier records began in '07—while Emiratis accounted for most (39%) among them.

Qatar and Kuwait's Registration Figures

Qatar’s pension system recorded around one thousand one hundred (1,100) registrations from other GCC nationals during this period—a reduction nearing one-fifth (18%) when compared against previous years’ data—whereas Omanis formed half (50%) within these figures.

Kuwait experienced growth within its own systems too; pensions saw an increase reaching approximately five thousand eight hundred (5,800) entries—a surge exceeding fourfold (450%)—dominated largely by Saudis who comprised nearly all registrants here (93%).

Efforts to Enhance Mobility and Security

The Supreme Council approved recommendations on November twentieth nineteen ninety-nine aimed at encouraging movement among workers throughout member states while ensuring adequate protection via comprehensive schemes like shared funds covering those employed outside their homeland or self-employed individuals alike.

This initiative sought parity between native citizens residing locally alongside expatriates working abroad under similar conditions offered domestically across various jurisdictions involved therein.

With inputs from WAM