Saudi Arabia

Overview

Saudi Arabia hosts one of the largest foreign-born populations in the world, with immigrants making up over 40% of its population. While the majority are economic migrants, the Kingdom also shelters refugees and asylum seekers from conflict-affected countries such as Syria, Eritrea, Iraq, and Somalia. Many face challenges related to legal status, access to services, and restrictive labor policies such as the kafala system.

Country Facts

• Population: 36,826,159
• Immigrants: 13.5 million (41.6% of total population)
• Refugees Hosted: 335 refugees, 13,483 asylum seekers (2022)
• Top Origin Countries (Migrants): India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Syria, Yemen
• Displacement Events: 606 internal displacements in 2022 due to floods and wildfires
• Primary Migration Route: Eastern Migration Route (via the Red Sea from the Horn of Africa)
• Key Challenges: Kafala system, legal residency, employment restrictions, xenophobia, limited access to healthcare and education

Crisis

Saudi Arabia has long been a top destination for migrant labor due to its wealth from oil exports and rapid infrastructure growth. In 2020, over 13 million foreign nationals resided in the country, drawn by opportunities but often subjected to labor abuses, particularly under the kafala system. While not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Saudi Arabia hosts refugees and asylum seekers from countries facing ongoing conflicts. Refugees and undocumented migrants frequently lack access to legal status, formal employment, and essential services like healthcare or education. Internally, displacements occur occasionally due to natural disasters such as floods. Despite restrictive immigration policies, Saudi Arabia contributes to regional humanitarian relief through UNHCR and bilateral support programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do people migrate to Saudi Arabia?
Economic opportunity is the primary reason. Saudi Arabia offers higher wages and job prospects, particularly in construction, domestic work, and service industries.

What is the kafala system, and how does it affect migrants?
The kafala (sponsorship) system binds foreign workers to a sponsor (usually their employer), who controls their legal status and ability to change jobs or leave the country. This often leads to exploitation and abuse.

What nationalities make up the largest share of migrants in Saudi Arabia?
The largest migrant populations are from India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Syria, and Yemen.n.

Are there refugees in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Though Saudi Arabia has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, it hosts asylum seekers and refugees from countries like Syria, Eritrea, Iraq, and Somalia, albeit in small numbers

What humanitarian support does Saudi Arabia offer?Saudi Arabia funds humanitarian projects through international agencies like UNHCR and supports return programs for migrants in vulnerable situations. It also offers limited temporary protections for certain displaced groups.