Gulf states send record USD 161 billion in worker remittances in 2025
GCC countries recorded the world’s largest combined outward worker remittances last year, with flows rising 13.6% as demand for expatriate labour expanded across the region
Gulf Cooperation Council countries sent a record USD 161 billion in worker remittances abroad in 2025, the highest combined outflow recorded globally, according to data from the GCC Statistical Center.
The figure rose 13.6% from 2024, an increase of about USD 19 billion, marking the second consecutive year of growth after remittance outflows declined in 2023.
The increase came as Gulf economies continued to attract expatriate workers while activity expanded across infrastructure, services, industry and non-oil sectors, the report said.
Worker remittances accounted for about 6.6% of the GCC’s combined gross domestic product in 2025, up from 6% in 2024, 5.7% in 2023 and 5.6% in 2022.
The GCC’s combined outflows were significantly higher than those recorded by individual major economies. Workers in the United States sent about USD 107 billion abroad in 2025, followed by Switzerland at USD 43 billion, Germany at USD 27 billion and France at USD 21 billion.
The record outflows also highlight the scale of expatriate labour in Gulf economies and the region’s growing role in global financial flows.
Remittances are also an important source of income for households in recipient countries, supporting consumption and contributing to economic and social stability.
The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
