Kuwait Ranked as the Worst Country for Expats

Kuwait has recently received the unfortunate distinction of being declared the “worst country for expats.” Among 53 destinations assessed, Kuwait emerged as the least desirable place for expatriates to live and work. This ranking aligns with the country’s consistent track record of disappointing results in the Expat Insider ranking, indicating a persistent trend.

Quality of Life and Settling-In Difficulties

The report sheds light on Kuwait’s global ranking at the bottom in terms of quality of life. Expatriates, in particular, expressed dissatisfaction with the limited options for leisure activities. Moreover, an alarming number of expats, nearly half of those surveyed, felt unable to freely express themselves and share their opinions—a figure more than triple the global average.

Kuwait’s healthcare system also requires improvement, facing challenges in terms of availability, affordability, and quality. Additionally, the report highlights low ratings in categories such as local friendliness, finding friends, culture, and welcome, all contributing to Kuwait’s position at the bottom of the ease of settling-in index.

Work Challenges and Financial Concerns

Regarding working abroad, Kuwait ranks 48th out of 53 destinations, with many expats expressing discontent with their salaries and the inflexible local work culture. Expatriates face difficulties in terms of career satisfaction and professional growth.

In terms of expat essentials and personal finance, Kuwait also performs poorly. Only 34 percent of expats reported being satisfied with the overall cost of living, indicating financial concerns among the expatriate community.

Mixed Prospects and Overall Dissatisfaction

Despite the challenging environment, there are a few positive aspects to note. Expatriates find it relatively easy to secure housing and adapt to daily life without needing to speak the local language.

However, the report presents a grim picture overall, with only 43 percent of expats in Kuwait expressing happiness with their lives. This figure is significantly lower than the global average of 72 percent. The collective dissatisfaction across various factors solidifies Kuwait’s position as the worst country for expats.