Indians in Kuwait

Indians in Kuwait

Regions with significant populations
Kuwait City · Al Jahra
Languages
Eastern Arabic · Indian Languages · English
Religion
Hinduism · Sikhism · Islam · Christianity · Buddhism
Related ethnic groups
Person of Indian Origin

The community of Indians in Kuwait includes Indian expatriates in Kuwait, as well as Kuwaiti citizens of Indian origin or descent. According to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior, there are 579,058 Indians as on July 1, 2008, who constitute the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.

Overview

The Indian community is regarded by the Kuwaitis as the community of first preference among the expatriates in Kuwait. Kuwait views India as a fast growing economy and a source of highly qualified professional and technical personnel.

Professionals like engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, scientists, software experts, management consultants, architects, skilled workers like technicians and nurses, semi-skilled workers, retail traders and businessmen mainly constitute the Indian community. A large proportion of the Indian expatriates are also unskilled and semi-skilled workers. 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. 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

Most of the Indians in Kuwait are practicing Hindus along with a number of Sikhs, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. Hindus account for the largest number of expatriates in Kuwait. Members of religious groups not mentioned in the Quran, such as Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, are not allowed to build places of worship or other religious facilities. However, these groups are allowed to worship privately in their homes and can engage in religious activities, including public marriage and other celebrations, without government interference.

Education

Indian schools in Kuwait include:

• Jabriya Indian School
• Indian Central School (Kuwait)
• Indian Community School
• India International School (Kuwait)
• Carmel School (Kuwait)
• Indian English Academy School

References

Indians in Abroad