The population of Kuwait stands at 4,987,826 as of December 2024, with more than two-thirds being expatriates, according to the recently published government statistics. The numbers reflect the continued dependence on foreign labor in all sectors, especially construction, domestic work, and services.
Of the almost 5 million inhabitants, only some 1.5 million are Kuwaiti nationals, highlighting the population imbalance that has long defined public policy debate in the Gulf state. The expatriate population drives persistent arguments over national labor policies, visa policies, and rights of long-term residence.
Authorities have already implemented programs to curb foreign labor dependency and foster Kuwaitisation of the labor market. Nevertheless, most private sector jobs remain under expat control owing to skill availability, salary expectations, as well as labor shortages in some technical fields.
This snapshot of the population is a vital planning aid for policymakers as they map out future economic growth, infrastructure development, and provision of social services. As population figures increase, Kuwait is under increasing pressure to reconcile its labor force needs with national interests and citizen demands.
