Remittances from Filipino workers in Kuwait increased by 3.42% year-on-year during the first half of 2026, according to official data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Cash sent from Kuwait reached $286.10 million from January to June 2026, up by $9.46 million from $276.64 million during the same period in 2025.
Kuwait ranked fourth among Gulf Cooperation Council countries in terms of remittance value, following Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. It also posted the fourth-highest annual growth rate among the six GCC member states.
Remittances from Kuwait accounted for approximately 9.77% of the $2.92 billion sent by Filipino workers across the GCC during the six-month period. They represented about 1.67% of the estimated $17.15 billion in total remittances from Filipino workers worldwide.
Overall remittances from the six GCC countries increased by 3.53%, rising from approximately $2.82 billion in the first half of 2025 to $2.92 billion in the same period of 2026—an increase of $99.84 million.
All GCC countries recorded growth. The UAE posted the fastest increase at 4.27%, with remittances reaching $750.29 million from $719.58 million. Qatar followed with growth of 3.74%, as remittances rose to $508.18 million from $489.85 million.
Saudi Arabia recorded a 3.55% increase and remained the Gulf’s largest source of Filipino workers’ remittances. The total reached approximately $1.08 billion, compared with $1.04 billion during the first half of 2025.
The GCC accounted for approximately 96.64% of the $3.03 billion in remittances originating from the Middle East. It also contributed about 41.65% of Asia’s $7.03 billion total and 17.07% of worldwide remittances during the period.
The figures highlight the Gulf region’s continuing importance as a major source of remittances to the Philippines, with Kuwait maintaining its position as one of its leading contributors. via Alanba News
