Indians in Kuwait

Indians in Kuwait
Total population
700,000 (2014)[1]
Regions with significant populations
Kuwait City  Al Jahra  Farwaniya  Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh
Languages
Malayalam  Hindi  English  Arabic
Religion
Hinduism  Christianity  Islam  Sikhism
Related ethnic groups
Indian diaspora

The community of Indians in Kuwait includes Indian (mostly hailing from the southern states of Kerala expatriates in Kuwait, as well as Kuwaiti citizens of Indian origin or descent. According to the Indian ministry of external affairs, there are around 700,000 Indians as on 2014.[2] constituting the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.[3]

Overview

Kuwaitis view India as a fast-growing economy and a source of highly qualified professional and technical personnel.

Professionals like engineers, doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants, scientists, software experts, management professionals and consultants, architects, retail traders and businessmen mainly constitute the Indian community. Of late, there has been an increase in the number of highly qualified Indian experts in hi-tech areas, especially in the software and financial sector in Kuwait. In the field of health, India not only supplies top specialists but also para-medical staff who enjoy a high reputation. Inward remittances from Kuwait to India are substantial.

There are 17 Indian schools in Kuwait affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). There were 164 Indian community Associations earlier registered with the Indian Embassy of Kuwait. Following introduction of a re-registration requirement, 106 of these Indian community Associations have once again registered with the Embassy and the number of registered Associations is growing at a steady pace.

Religion

Indian are the most numerous expat group in Kuwait.[4] along with a number of Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists. Hindus account for the largest number of expatriates in Kuwait.[5] Members of religious groups not mentioned in the Quran, such as Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, are not allowed to build official places of worship. However, these groups have religious freedom and can freely engage in religious activities, including public marriage and other celebrations.[6]

Education

Indian schools in Kuwait include:

References

  1. "Kuwait MP seeks five-year cap on expat workers' stay". Gulf News. 30 January 2014.
  2. "Indian Community" (PDF). Ministry of External Affairs. December 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2013.
  3. Kuwaitstay.com - Indians in Kuwait
  4. "Kuwait in Pictures". Francesca Davis DiPiazza. 2007. p. 48.
  5. Kuwait Times - Religions in Kuwait: How expatriates worship
  6. UNHCR Refworld - 2008 Report on International Religious Freedom - Kuwait
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