Saudi Arabia: immigration

How many foreign workers are in Saudi Arabia?

15,203,237 non-Saudi workers were registered in Saudi Arabia's labour records at the end of June 2026, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Of these, 10,820,468 were covered by social insurance, 4,346,173 were domestic workers and 36,596 worked under civil service rules. 94.6% of non-Saudis covered by social insurance were men.

The figures come from the General Organization for Social Insurance, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Information Center. They exclude the military and security sectors and short-term workers staying under three months. The number covered by social insurance was little changed from 10,836,719 at the end of March 2026.

Official sources: GASTAT: register-based labour market statistics, Q2 2026

How many domestic workers are in Saudi Arabia?

4,346,173 non-Saudi domestic workers were registered in Saudi Arabia at the end of June 2026, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), using National Information Center data. 2,475,062 worked as servants and house cleaners and 1,782,032 as drivers. 2,778,739 were men and 1,567,434 women.

Almost all domestic drivers are men, while women make up most servants and house cleaners. Domestic workers are counted separately from workers under the Labor Law; the data owner is the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Official sources: GASTAT: register-based labour market statistics, Q2 2026 · Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development

What share of private sector workers are Saudi?

Saudi nationals made up 19.9% of private sector workers registered for social insurance at the end of June 2026, 2,652,023 out of 13,348,541, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Non-Saudis numbered 10,696,518. Saudis made up 22.6% of all workers covered by social insurance, public and private.

The share above is calculated from the GASTAT table and excludes domestic workers. Civil service employment data come from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Official sources: GASTAT: register-based labour market statistics, Q2 2026 · Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development

How much do expat households earn in Saudi Arabia?

Non-Saudi households in Saudi Arabia had average monthly disposable income of SAR 5,428 in 2023, against SAR 18,056 for Saudi households, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Household Income and Consumption Expenditure Survey. The median non-Saudi household income was SAR 3,657. Per person, non-Saudis averaged SAR 1,908 a month.

Non-Saudi households spent SAR 5,188 a month on goods and services paid for in money. Disposable income excludes current transfers paid to others, such as money sent to family abroad. The survey covered 122,325 households.

Official sources: GASTAT: Household Income and Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023

What is the unemployment rate for foreigners in Saudi Arabia?

The unemployment rate for non-Saudis in Saudi Arabia was 1.3% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Labor Force Survey. It was 1.1% for non-Saudi men and 3.8% for non-Saudi women. The labour force participation rate for non-Saudis was 82.2%, against 48.7% for Saudis.

The overall unemployment rate, for Saudis and non-Saudis combined, was 3.0%, and the rate for Saudis was 6.5%.

Official sources: GASTAT: labor market statistics, Q2 2026

What share of Saudi Arabia's population are immigrants?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Saudi Arabia was 40.3% in 2024. In 2015 the figure was 44.2%. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 11.5%; Saudi Arabia is 7th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 12th of 193.

How many people move to Saudi Arabia each year?

In 2025, net migration in Saudi Arabia was 119,738, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from -988,751 (2018) to 977,072 (2022). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was -376, and Saudi Arabia placed 3rd highest of 22. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 13th highest.

How many refugees live in Saudi Arabia?

In 2025, the number of refugees in the country in Saudi Arabia was 448, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at 240,772; its low point was 2015, at 122. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 15,377, and Saudi Arabia placed 18th highest of 22. Worldwide: 131st of 169.

How many refugees come from Saudi Arabia?

2,368: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Saudi Arabia for 2025, according to UNHCR. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 7,322, and Saudi Arabia placed 15th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 89th of 189.

How much are remittances to Saudi Arabia?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 0.0% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.0% of GDP (2022) to 0.0% of GDP (2009). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 0.6% of GDP, and Saudi Arabia placed 10th highest of 11. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 125th highest.