ABSTRACT
The immigrant labour force in Kuwait is characterized by a wide variety of nationalities, ethnic groups, cultures and educational and professional standards. According to the 1980 Census, Arab nationals constitute the majority of immigrant manpower with 72.5 per cent, while Asians, 25 per cent, followed by Europeans, Africans and Americans make up the residue. The period of residence of immigrant manpower in Kuwait provides one of the basic indicators of the immigrant problem and also constitutes an important variable affecting the extent of the immigrant's satisfaction and stability. During recent years, financial considerations have had a more direct effect on residence. This was noticed particularly after the issuance of the House Lease Law allowing owners to increase property rents by up to 100 per cent every five years. The sex structure of manpower is considered an important indicator of the socio-economic trends of society. Participation of women in the labour force is a characteristic of the immigrant community.
