World Record: $161 Billion in Remittances from GCC Workers in 2025 - Sarmad

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries collectively recorded the highest global value of worker remittances, totaling approximately $161 billion in 2025.

Data from a report issued by the GCC Statistical Center showed that remittances from workers in the Gulf region grew by 13.6% last year compared to 2024, representing an annual increase of about $19 billion.

These remittances hold significance beyond their direct financial value, as they contribute to supporting household incomes, consumption, and economic and social stability in recipient countries. They also reflect the GCC’s regional economic weight and its role in global financial flows and its integration with the global economy.

According to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), this rise comes amid the continued attraction of foreign labor, alongside the expansion of economic activities linked to infrastructure projects, services, industry, and non-oil sectors.

The report clarified that total remittances from Gulf workers rose for the second consecutive year, reaching their highest level last year after a decline recorded in 2023.

Remittances from workers accounted for approximately 6.6% of the GCC’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, compared to about 6% in 2024, 5.7% in 2023, and 5.6% in 2022.

The GCC’s global standing is highlighted when comparing its total outbound remittances with those recorded by several major economies individually.

Remittances sent from the United States amounted to approximately $107 billion.

Switzerland recorded around $43 billion.

Germany recorded approximately $27 billion.

France recorded around $21 billion.