[Middle East] Over 78% of GCC workforce are expats

On September 2 in Kuwait City, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Marzouq Al-Otaibi reaffirmed the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) commitment to advancing joint labour efforts and addressing common challenges, Arab Times reports.

Addressing the 11th meeting of GCC labour undersecretaries, Al-Otaibi said the agenda includes strategic issues concerning Gulf labour markets, nationalisation programs, private sector employment, labour development, social protection, and women’s labour rights. 

The DG reportedly stated that the gathering continues ongoing Gulf cooperation and provides an opportunity to find joint solutions that enhance social welfare and support sustainable development.

GCC Assistant Secretary General for Economic and Development Affairs Khaled Al-Sunaidi emphasised the importance of the labour sector as a main pillar of sustainable growth in the Gulf states. He added that the meeting seeks to strengthen coordination, unify labour policies, improve work environments, and enhance the region’s competitiveness at both regional and international levels.

He announced that the GCC labour market had recorded 24.6 million workers in the second quarter of 2024, including 19 million expatriates who accounted for more than 78 per cent of the workforce. He called for a better balance between nationalisation and the use of skilled labour, reportedly noting that, while progress has been achieved, global challenges require continued cooperation.

In addition, Al-Sunaidi highlighted the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation, cautioning that studies suggest 45 per cent of traditional jobs could be affected within the next two decades, demanding a reassessment of skills and workforce readiness.

Source: Arab Times

On September 2 in Kuwait City, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Marzouq Al-Otaibi reaffirmed the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) commitment to advancing joint labour efforts and addressing common challenges, Arab Times reports.

Addressing the 11th meeting of GCC labour undersecretaries, Al-Otaibi said the agenda includes strategic issues concerning Gulf labour markets, nationalisation programs, private sector employment, labour development, social protection, and women’s labour rights. 

The DG reportedly stated that the gathering continues ongoing Gulf cooperation and provides an opportunity to find joint solutions that enhance social welfare and support sustainable development.

GCC Assistant Secretary General for Economic and Development Affairs Khaled Al-Sunaidi emphasised the importance of the labour sector as a main pillar of sustainable growth in the Gulf states. He added that the meeting seeks to strengthen coordination, unify labour policies, improve work environments, and enhance the region’s competitiveness at both regional and international levels.

He announced that the GCC labour market had recorded 24.6 million workers in the second quarter of 2024, including 19 million expatriates who accounted for more than 78 per cent of the workforce. He called for a better balance between nationalisation and the use of skilled labour, reportedly noting that, while progress has been achieved, global challenges require continued cooperation.

In addition, Al-Sunaidi highlighted the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation, cautioning that studies suggest 45 per cent of traditional jobs could be affected within the next two decades, demanding a reassessment of skills and workforce readiness.

Source: Arab Times