Categories
Information

Kuwait Worst Destination for Expats

worst

Kuwait occupies the 64th and last place of the overall ranking, particularly due to its low score in the Ease of Settling In Index. In fact, 53% of respondents are unhappy with the general friendliness of local residents. The opportunities to find new friends also leave a lot to be desired for one-third of respondents.

Unfortunately, the situation is similarly grim when it comes to the overall quality of life. Many expats are not satisfied with the available leisure options, while others see their personal happiness suffering. Only for the Job Security and Language subcategories does the country receive some decent results, making it to 26th and 25th place, respectively.

InterNations, the networking group for expats yesterday released the results of its latest annual survey. The organization asked expats in a bunch of countries a wide range of questions about their life and impressions of their adopted country and the results were charted. Kuwait came last which we could sit here and debate all day but what was surprising was the fact that Saudi Arabia was ranked as a better destination. How the hell is that even possible?? [Link]

Thanks James

76 replies on “Kuwait Worst Destination for Expats”

Greece has no jobs, 50% unemployment among youth and salaries are a small fraction than in Saudi, so I can understand this result.

Title is confusing and misleading. Ranked “last” in a list of “best” countries for expats! This means that Kuwait is indeed one of the best countries for expats, but the last one. Meaning it still makes the cut as one of the best.

You Mr/Ms D1 are observant. Yeah that means there are 130 odd countries below us.

We are ragging on ourselves as usual.

And Saudi, Nigeria, Greece then Kuwait. That’s bollocks. I know I’d much rather be in Kuwait! …but I’m English, so we are about as welcome as a Jedi in the Empire since we lost ours.

rightly so – but guess karma has made sure that England is now home to many of those maligned countries where thousands have died.

Ah yes. Even though most people alive today were not responsible for any of those deaths, I agree that karma should smite the innocent children of any murderer. What a beautiful world view we have. I feel like I’m bonding with everyone so well in these comments. 🙂

I am reminded to not be light hearted, happy, or use any self deprecating humour in public in Kuwait for fear of aggressive reprisals. I’m still wondering why we are 64th though. I guess we will never know.

Except there’s more than 64 countries in the world, which would make Kuwait a better destination than the other 142 countries.

Didn’t you think why they went with 64 countries and not say Top 50 or Top 100? Did you consider the fact the list has 64 destinations because they didn’t get enough feedback from expats in other countries and not because the other countries are worse than this 64? As it stands their list contains 64 of the most popular countries for expats and from the 64 Kuwait is the worst destination.

Right. I think I’ve got both ideas. …but if there aren’t enough expats in the other countries in the world to get decent info then doesn’t that mean there is a reason for that and perhaps the country isn’t very good for expats, hence why it isn’t so popular? Or maybe there are over 100 countries that are brilliant for expats but the expats there wanna keep it a secret so no-one else goes there and ruins it? oooorrrrr maybe they are amazing countries for expats but they don’t need many expats, but then doesn’t that mean they aren’t very good for expats by default.

My brain hurts. Can’t you just review cupcakes being sold on instagram so I don’t have to read your highly interesting and entertaining blog anymore you £$%^* %^&$*% %£$&£$%

And after all that i didn’t have the idea after all. Do you mean that the expats may have been off having a good time and couldn’t be bothered to feedback info, or hey sent people to places to take the poll and they were having such a good time they forgot to send in the results, or they just didn’t have the money to ask people in every country and selected 64 well known places, so in total the poll only included 64? And we were last.

Did I get it finally. Do I win a cupcake?

Yaaay that’s means we won!

Seriously, if we can become the worst at every ranking, then we know we just have to do exactly the opposite of everything we have been doing and we’ll be top. 🙂 Much easier than figuring out what to change and what not to from the middle.

I have to comment on this and the liveability index posted earlier.
I am an expat who left Kuwait Feb 2012, prior to moving to Kuwait like most I was really interested in finding a job in Dubai. However I took a risk and came over.
I took an active part in trying to mingle with Kuwaiti’s, even having the pleasure of being invited to a wedding, going to the desert etc.
I spent 15 months working and living, shared a flat with another English guy in the Median Hawally. I would love to come back tomorrow.
The only reason places like Dubai come out better is because they gain better press.
Yes not everything is easy, you have to try, bureaucracy can be idiotic, driving a downright nightmare, however the culture unspoilt such as the old souk just three it for me.
But if I could I would choose Kuwait over Dubai.
Thanks for experience

Neil….but i dont understand, Kuwaits policies are one of the worst in the Gulf. Kuwait is not the same type it was 20 years back …the laws on expats have become so worst and unfriendly..
Dubai is far far better !!

John, it depends what you want.
A huge part of the attraction for me is the culture, not the commercialism. Its being part of it.
No country or government gets things right just look at UK now pretty much making are worst off homeless and unable to get help.
I love the controls of immigration, sponsorship, ID cards, fingerprints etc. I tried to play a part. Somebody else commented about the alcohol impact, thats rubbish drink is readily available as we all know.
I am not qualified to comment on issues now such as cost of driving licences but its like Jhara and Bedoon, oh be careful don’t be there after dark, I never had a single incident, even. Show respect be respected.
In right personal circumstances I would be back. Most Westerners would be astounded to find the number of Catholic Churches in the Country.
Yes more could be done, improve internet connection, piped water instead of bowsers but its the wonderful heritage and culture, forget the commercialim.

Am quite surprised with your comment, I always believed that it is all on how you wanna look at it, I wanna add something I have lots of expats friends and i am friendly to everyone not to shock u you but every month I see some sort of abuse from expats yeah believe it expats sometimes they speak from the tip of thier nose sometimes they just ignore you or treat you rudly !

We are humans at the end , once we feel in power we will abuse eachothers, if your too nice etc

Thats why I often get angry from myself being too friendly n nice

@neil – as you are a western expat – yoru experiences do not count for the MAJORITY of expats in kuwait. Please remember that you are in a very small majority and that majority has its ass kissed daily in Kuwait.

I think it has to do with the Inhumane policies they put on expats which causes kuwait to go down and down on the list year after year.And to tell the truth most kuwaitis simply dont care about the reputation of their country in the worlds view !
Recently a Draft law was passed in the parliament calling for Charging KD 500 to Expats applying for new Driving Licenses , WTF??? And KD 50 for Renewing Car passing (currently it is KD 5) !! This country is getting a Nonsense for expats !! They treat them as if they are criminals.

And let me say one more thing about something which Kuwait love so much OIL, The Oil Price is now at $38, and most expert reports say the prices will not recover in long term for 7-10 years due to Shale oil production…and even if prices increase it will settle down to $55-$65 per barrel as per all the reports i have read(and also because Iran’s will soon start producing because sanctions were removed on them) So supply will become abundant , so Party time is over guys, the $100 and above dream days are over..which means that countries like Kuwait, UAE can at maximum Survive for only 10-13 years on their Sovereign Funds. So don’t think the Oil is gonna keep superior and wealthy over the others forever.Tough days are coming for sure and this is from the IMF and all the Expert bodies..The Expats can go back to their home countries or to the west as they have the capacity and skillsets to survive , Question is what will the Kuwaitis do ? Time just flies by !!
See the reports Below :

https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/politics/2015/6/10/gulf-countries-to-go-into-the-red-in-2016
https://business.financialpost.com/news/energy/could-it-take-a-decade-for-oil-prices-to-recover

I know were they will be.

Infront of the fridge starved, because they don’t know how to cook. In dirty cloth because they don’t know how to clean.

…and they cant even open the fridge themselves. working in kuwait for 5yrs now and everythings getting worse… from the crazy weather to the unstable policies imposed making lives for expats more and more burdensome…
on the other hand, kuwaits currency still has the highest in all the world…

My freind its not about just Crime…Its about Sponsorship system, lack of rights to Domestic workers, Treatment of Expats belonging to certain nationalities in many cases. And Kuwait is ranked at 64 , there are many countries ranked below Kuwait also …I think total number of countries ranked are 134 or so.
The Thing is in Gulf countries like Kuwait(Except UAE) , they have not done much to change these above issues i mentioned and things have remained same as they were 25-30 years back and they just make promises.
One of the worst issues affecting expats is the Domestic workers problem who are at highest Risk of getting abused. I am not saying all are Abused , but as per human rights reports and embassy Data 10-15% suffer some form of Abuse ranging from Delay in Salaries, Overworking,Malnutrition , Beatings, Sexual Abuse, Underpayments, No Payments etc…….This is the Saddest story of Gulf…Abuse happens everywhere in the world, but they have Rights there , the Domestic worker can fight back or complain to the Police.Here running away from the Sponsor is itself a Crime and the Domestic worker faces a Prison sentences. Can you imagine how Hypocritic that can be from those who makes these Laws and call themselves Muslims !! Astaghfirullah !1

Who the hell said kidnapping doesn’t happen in Kuwait, Kidnapping happens in Kuwait but they just stay quite about it.

it happened to many people children and to adults and to girls.

it happened to a friend of mine his brother who came from U.K got kidnapped and he jumped out of the moving car to escape and from that time he never set foot in Kuwait again.

A kid napping happened a few days ago a Kuwaiti or Bedoon or a GCC or iraqi male kidnapped 2 Asian Girls ( Filipinas ) who work in a fast food chain restaurant, when they left work he kidnapped them and rapped them.

You don’t get kidnapped in the GCC? my ass, you get kidnapped stabbed mugged robbed hit by a car threatened and beaten up and killed and so on of many.

LIKE ANY OTHER COUNTRY.

I think Saudi has come out higher because quite often Expats are put on massive compounds with beautiful houses, restaurants and bars!!!

I found these bits interesting: “The opportunities to find new friends also leave a lot to be desired for one-third of respondents” and “Many expats are not satisfied with the available leisure options”

I can see how that can be a problem as there is no after work bar culture where people can unwind and mingle, and the only other option for expats is joining an overpriced gym with pool.

I always advise expats coming to Kuwait that they’re in for a tough haul on the social front but it’s not impossible to make friends here. It just requires a lot of effort

I lived here for 13 years to be,

Kuwait has been a challenge and extremely hard at time. From being wanted by the police when I resigned from a large furniture company, bc I refused to sign that I will not work for a competitor for next 5 years. DAhhh

To having a sponsor black mailing me for 5000KD when I wanted to change him for another. After he proclaimed he own my company because his signature was on the license. Note he did not invested a Penny. I had no choice but to pay.

To the opposite, the nicest most giving and caring Kuwaitis with huge heart and generosity. Kuwait has learned me to take care of each other and keep family closer. Its also learned me that we are all different from the country we are raised. Before I didn’t know the meaning of my passport, now I do. And I am grateful and humble.

I also learned that education is the most important you can give you children. We sometimes in the west are lucky because our government take care of us.

Kuwwait has the same problem, except Kuwait allows you to be lazy. Lazy and spoiled, is the downfall for many.

But Kuwait wants to be, you can see it in the youth. I saw it in 2003 and I can still see it.

I stayed because there is hope…not for the money as many claim.

Why are you here?
To learn?
To earn?

or to grow?

Haha I love these. Everyone gets so butthurt. “Kuwait is the greatest country in the history if the entire universe” “But we have a cheesecake factory” “If you don’t like it leave…Just like I do every Holiday, long weekend or the entire month of Ramadan”. Oh wait they don’t actually admit that last part…

I get immune to not drinking. First year was hard, but after 5 years I really don’t care about booze anymore. Even when I travel I drink much less than I use to be.

They should ban smoking as well 🙂 because all country is smoking friendly and it really makes hard to quit that little f***er.

Kuwait has many problems for sure, but I steel prefer to be expat here than minimum of 60% of countries listed in that list.

China, Nigeria, Russia and Saudi? Hell no!

I think its funny how so many people like to bash Kuwait. I have been in Kuwait for over seven years now and conisder it my home. I have lived in many countries since my father was in the US Army which meant that we moved around every couple of years. In fact Kuwait is the place that I have lived the longest in my life. I admit that life here is not easy but then again where is. Anyone who says that life is easier else where can only speak to thier perspective. Oppression and discrimination are faced by immigrants to any country regardless of the country. This is unfortunate part of human nature. That is to regard a outsiders as less than those that are part of the native society. I have always found it funny how some Kuwaitis will often bash their own country whether it be the government, their amir, and thier social welfare and healthcare system. I mean lets be honest, It doesn’t matter whether your Kuwaiti or Foreigner. If most of you who live and work in Kuwait went to live and work in the USA or other Western countries it would be at minumum wage. Even if you have a degree your pay won’t let you live the life style that many are able to live here in Kuwait. Especially if your Kuwaiti. I mean, think about it. You would have to work minimum 40 hours a week and don’t even think about not showing up to work or taking a sick day. Vacations, huh, keep on dreaming. Also, forget about government handouts. Don’t even think working for the government if you have less than a four year degree. Imagine paying taxes on your salary, properties, food items among other things. Or imagine paying a quarter of your salary towards water, gas, and electricity. Then imagine paying over half your salary for rent and then the other half towards petrol. Its funny to me to hear Kuwaitis talk about living in other countries when they are basically taken care of by the country that they love to bash. I mean try living a month without the support of your government then you will have the right to complain. As for the Foreigners like myself who live here stop whining about your situation and make the best with what you have. I recently was diagnosed with Advanced Chronic Renal Failure amd have been doing dialysis three times a week. When I was making plans to visit my family in the USA I had to cancel them when I was informed that I would have to pay $500 usd per session of dialysis. When I enquired about Obama Care since I am a US citizen I was informed that I would have to apply for it and in the meantime would have the pay $1500 usd per week until I was approved and that it might take two to three weeks to get approved. Here I don’t pay anything not even one fils. If your Kuwaiti and don’t love your own country then leave to somewhere that you feel is better but leave your citizenship behind when you do. If your a Foreigner and don’t like here you can go somewhere else too. That’s just my opinion. I will stay here till the day I die. And I don’t care if I a citizen or not. Kuwait is my Home!

Unboricuaenq8- You advised that if your Kuwaiti and don’t love your own country then leave to somewhere that you feel is better but leave your citizenship behind when you do. But doesn’t that advice apply to you? Why don’t you leave the US citizenship behind. Can’t? Double standards, doesn’t matter.

Thats because unboricuaenq8 is one of those people who fly puero rican flags everywhere but never the stars and stripes even though they reap all the benefits of living in the us. Probably have only gone to puerto rico for vacation, family probably left in the first place because of the living conditions but yet can’t wait to declare how much they love it there.

Well considering you don’t know me and will more than likely never lnow
Me or anything about Puerto Rico other than what you google here are some links to better educate yourself about Puertoricans. Also ask the Kuwaitis who tried to give up their US Citizenship after Kuwait sign the FATCa agreement just gow hard it is to give it up. I would if I could as Kuwait is my home. Still it doesn’t mean I can’t be proud of where I come from.
https://youtu.be/CesHr99ezWE

https://youtu.be/4Kdvw7Ab4uM

Explain this to me..
Kuwait population approximately 3.5 million. 2.5 million approximately are non-Kuwaities. Did anyone force them to stay or increase in number???
I THINK NOT.
Are most of them suffering or abused !!
I leave the answer to u guys.

@Manal you’re kind of an idiot. Many expats are second generation, even third generation in taht they don’t call their ORIGINAL countries home. Also in the other cases of labourers etc – passports are confiscated. There are MORE companies in Kuwait holding onto passports of employees than those that don’t.

So next time you come up with ridiculous things to say, maybe look into the reasoning.

I think the ranking is probably accurate but very unfortunate. I love Kuwait and almost every Kuwaiti I meet is very friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately the government is continually changing their policies for the worse and is actively targeting expats. It is the government that makes expats feel unwelcome in Kuwait not your average citizen.

Kuwait will continue to rank low on this scale until government services begin to treat all people residing in Kuwait as human beings and not animals. As an american I am generally treated well but is impossible not to notice how others are spoken to and disrespected.

Justin, I agree with you mostly on the government policies on expats giving a bad name to Kuwaitis…But the other part that most kuwaitis are friendly is not also true…I would say 50% are ok and rest 50% are not. If you go to Areas like Sabahiya,Daher, Fahaheel where many Beduion origin Kuwaitis live and experience the behaviour of Kuwaiti Ladies there its seriously pathetic !! Atleast towards Salmiya,Salwa areas they are more educated and even though inside in their hearts they not like expats but their behaviour is disciplined.

I have been visiting this blog for as long as I can remember, and I really enjoy its content , though I do not always agree with mark on wide variety of subjects. am not going to indulge in this discussion because I have seen this many times on marks blog, and I respect marks opinion on having the right to try and spread awareness about expats life quality in the local community, though I do not agree with marks method most of the time .

what I noticed from the comments on any ( kuwait expats issue ) it is always the same, just a heated meaningless discussion, were no one benefits anything rather just fuel the hate more and more.

Mark I think you should disable comments to any post you think it might ignite a comment war between Kuwaitis and expats.

people need chill a bit think about what you have and not what you dont

Rumour has it that AJ was touched inappropriately as a child and that’s why he’s so mad.

(I should know, I started the rumour)

Come on AJ! Tell us all that isn’t funny 😉 perhaps Kuwait needs us all to lighten our hearts 🙂

Yeah, you walked right into that little light hearted prank AJ! It’s not my joke. It’s Hunter S Thompson’s, probably the funniest writer of his generation. Oh well. Everyone who ever laughed reading his best selling books, popular films and enjoyed his incredible body of work can now read your comments and be glad you are here.

https://willrabbe.com/microblog/2011/4/11/edmund-muskies-drug-addiction-according-to-hunter-thompson.html

Cheers AJ. You made me laugh at least.

Every expat, regardless of nationality, has two boxes. One is labeled “Money” and the other is labeled “Bullshit”. You will leave when either one is full.

Every single expatriate, regardless of nationality, has two boxes. One is labeled “Money” and the other is labeled “Bullshit”. You will leave when either one is full.

Think thats quite offensive, Yes what drew me was the money but I grew to love both the Country and the Kuwaiti’s

Could someone tell me why the hell everyone is mad that saudia came ahead in the list?
Please don’t tell me because they require woman to wear head scarfs because other then that please tell me what’s the difference between living here and there? other than its much more expensive living here? I think the list is pretty accurate placing saudia ahead of Kuwait since living conditions and people are almost identical but much cheaper there.

This ranking may not be perfect regarding Saudi better than Kuwait, But for those Kuwaitis feeling Kuwait is better than Saudi…I will tell you why this Report says the other way round.
Since last few years Kuwait’s policies towards have become very hostile and unethical from Driving licence Salary requirements to Rental prices etc. Whereas Saudi Arabia has been same as it is since last 20 year or so , no such new pathetic laws introduced. And rental prices have not been left out of control to Exploit the Expats!!

I don’t have much to say about Kuwait coming as last but I do want to complain about Malta. How the hell did it come as third?

Malta ain’t that great. Amazing if you’re a tourist. As an expat, its boring, owners are always trying to cheat you, buses don’t work, food is bad or expensive, and very little cultural events to enjoy. Actually, very little events of any kind. The only events that are rampant are parties.

The only reason Europeans give it such high regard is because of the cheap alcohol and good weather. The reason I can tolerate it is because it has an interesting and diverse expat community.

So many other better European cities, Malta seriously? Ugh.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *