With InterNations it was easy to find the right school for our kids after they joined me in Kuwait. For decades, Kuwait has been a popular expat destination. To this day, moving to this Arab country does not seem to have lost any of its appeal. What makes it so popular? Many expatriates moving to Kuwait are attracted by the high salaries that compare well to international standards. The fact that there are no taxes to be paid does not hurt, either.
For those who can afford it, moving to Kuwait could offer a high standard of living with all imaginable amenities.
At the same time, as many expats who have taken the plunge and moved to Kuwait report, it is a great place to get to know Arab traditions and culture. Therefore, getting a job in the Gulf country can lead to a rewarding expat experience. The renewed rise of oil prices in and early led to a significant increase in government spending and economic growth. The recent decline in oil prices in , however, led to a record annual budget deficit for the first time in 16 years.
Income from oil revenues has enabled the Kuwaiti government to greatly enhance the public education system and develop a comprehensive social security system.
Expats in Kuwait, however, may only partly benefit from this because of the recent restrictions and bans on healthcare access and driving. Some expats moving to Kuwait may be worried about the local political situation. During the tidal wave of uprisings in the Arab world in and , people in Kuwait protested as well. These were part of the fight against corruption and broad economic and political reforms. Calls for the resignation of the prime minister, however, were unsuccessful.
