Muscat: The number of GCC nationals registered in the pension systems of other member states reached 16,800 by the end of 2023, compared to 4,100 in 2007, reflecting an increase of 311.4% over this period, according to data from the GCC Statistical Centre.
Similarly, the number of GCC nationals registered in social insurance systems in other member states reached 17,200 in 2023, compared to 3,800 in 2007, marking a 347.9% increase.
This underscores significant progress in social insurance and pension systems within the framework of achieving the GCC Common Market.
Data from the GCC Statistical Centre shows that in 2019, the number of GCC nationals from other member states registered in the UAE’s pension system reached 9,500, an increase of 513.3% compared to 2007. Omanis made up the majority at 81.9%, followed by Bahrainis at 8.9% and nationals from other member states at 9.2%.
Similarly, the number of other GCC nationals registered in the UAE’s social insurance system in 2021 reached 6,900, representing a significant increase of 2,561.5% compared to 2007. Omanis again formed the majority at 62.4%, followed by Saudis at 19%, and other GCC nationals at 18.6%, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).
In Bahrain, the number of other GCC nationals registered in the pension system rose to 422 in 2023, an increase of 234.9% compared to 2007. Saudis accounted for the majority at 66.1%, followed by Omanis at 17.5%, and other GCC nationals at 16.4%.
Conversely, the number of GCC nationals registered in Bahrain’s social insurance system decreased to 535 in 2023, a drop of 4.3% compared to 2007. Saudis again formed the majority at 71.8%, followed by Omanis at 21.5%, and other GCC nationals at 6.7%.
In Saudi Arabia, two GCC nationals were registered in the pension system in 2023, an 88.2% decrease compared to 2007. In contrast, 6,700 GCC nationals were registered in the social insurance system, a 540.6% rise. Bahrainis made up 50.7% of this group, followed by Kuwaitis at 33.4%, and other GCC nationals at 15.9%.
In Oman, 59 GCC nationals were registered in the pension system in 2023, a 28.3% decline compared to 2007. Emiratis accounted for 39%, followed by Bahrainis at 32.9%, and other GCC nationals at 28.8%. Additionally, 193 GCC nationals were registered in Oman’s social insurance system, a 24.3% decrease, with Bahrainis comprising 53.4%, followed by Saudis at 27.5%, and other GCC nationals at 19.1%.
In Qatar, 1,100 GCC nationals were registered in the pension system in 2023, an 18.9% decrease compared to 2007. Omanis formed 50.5% of this group, followed by Bahrainis at 23.6%, and other GCC nationals at 25.9%. Meanwhile, 1,600 GCC nationals were registered in Qatar’s social insurance system, a 206.3% increase. Omanis made up 50.9%, followed by Saudis at 33.2%, and other GCC nationals at 15.9%.
In Kuwait, 5,800 GCC nationals were registered in the pension system in 2023, a 450.8% increase compared to 2007. Saudis dominated with 93.5%, followed by Omanis at 3.2%, and other GCC nationals at 3.3%. Additionally, 1,300 GCC nationals were registered in Kuwait’s social insurance system, a 5.9% rise, with Saudis making up 76.3%, followed by Bahrainis at 13.8%, and other GCC nationals at 9.9%.
To facilitate GCC nationals working across member states, the Supreme Council approved recommendations in 1999 to ensure social security through comprehensive social insurance systems.
These systems offer coverage equivalent to that of host country nationals or utilise shared social insurance funds.
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