MUSCAT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 22nd Jan, 2025) The number of GCC nationals registered in the pension systems of other member states reached 16.8 thousand by the end of 2023, compared to 4.1 thousand in 2007, reflecting an increase of 311.4 percent 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 17.2 thousand in 2023, compared to 3.8 thousand in 2007, marking a 347.9 percent increase.
This highlights the significant progress in social insurance and pension systems within the framework of achieving the GCC Common Market.
Data from the GCC Statistical Centre indicates that the number of GCC nationals from other member states registered in the UAE’s pension system in 2019 reached 9.5 thousand, an increase of 513.3 percent compared to 2007. Omanis constituted the majority of these registrations, accounting for 81.9 percent, followed by Bahrainis at 8.9 percent, and nationals from the remaining member states at 9.2 percent.
Similarly, the number of other GCC nationals registered in the UAE’s social insurance system in 2021 reached 6.9 thousand, a significant increase of 2561.5 percent compared to 2007. Omanis again formed the majority with 62.4 percent, followed by Saudis at 19 percent, and other GCC citizens at 18.6 percent.
In Bahrain, the number of other GCC nationals registered in the pension system reached 422 in 2023, an increase of 234.9 percent compared to 2007. Saudis constituted the majority, representing 66.1 percent, followed by Omanis at 17.5 percent, and the other GCC citizens at 16.4 percent.
Meanwhile, the number of other GCC nationals registered in Bahrain’s social insurance system in 2023 reached 535, a decrease of 4.3 percent compared to 2007. Saudis again formed the majority with 71.8 percent, followed by Omanis at 21.5 percent, and the other GCC citizens at 6.7 percent.
In Saudi Arabia, only two other GCC nationals were registered in the pension system in 2023, a decrease of 88.2 percent compared to 2007. Additionally, 6.7 thousand GCC nationals were registered in the social insurance system, an increase of 540.6 percent compared to 2007, with Bahrainis forming the majority at 50.
7 percent, followed by Kuwaitis at 33.4 percent, and the other GCC citizens at 15.9 percent.
In Oman, 59 other GCC nationals were registered in the pension system in 2023, a decrease of 28.3 percent compared to 2007. Emiratis accounted for the majority at 39 percent, followed by Bahrainis at 32.9 percent, and the other GCC citizens at 28.8 percent. Additionally, 193 GCC nationals were registered in the social insurance system, a decrease of 24.3 percent compared to 2007, with Bahrainis forming the majority at 53.4 percent, followed by Saudis at 27.5 percent, and other member states at 19.1 percent.
In Qatar, 1.1 thousand other GCC nationals were registered in the pension system in 2023, a decrease of 18.9 percent compared to 2007. Omanis accounted for the majority at 50.5 percent, followed by Bahrainis at 23.6 percent, and other member states at 25.9 percent.
Additionally, 1.6 thousand GCC nationals were registered in the social insurance system, an increase of 206.3 percent compared to 2007, with Omanis forming the majority at 50.9 percent, followed by Saudis at 33.2 percent, and other member states at 15.9 percent.
In Kuwait, 5.8 thousand GCC nationals from other member states were registered in the pension system in 2023, an increase of 450.8 percent compared to 2007. Saudis formed the majority at 93.5 percent, followed by Omanis at 3.2 percent, and other member states at 3.3 percent.
Additionally, 1.3 thousand GCC nationals were registered in the social insurance system, an increase of 5.9 percent compared to 2007, with Saudis forming the majority at 76.3 percent, followed by Bahrainis at 13.8 percent, and other member states at 9.9 percent.
To encourage GCC nationals to move and work across member states, the Supreme Council approved the recommendations of the Advisory Authority on 20th November 1999 in Riyadh, which included ensuring social security for GCC nationals working outside their home countries or in self-employment.
This was to be achieved through a comprehensive and appropriate social insurance system in each member state, offering the same coverage as for nationals of the host country, or through establishing shared social insurance fund to cover nationals working across GCC member states.
