The Future of Migration to GCC Countries: Migrants' Aspirations, Labour Reforms, and Politics

This book provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving trends in South-South international migration to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It presents a comprehensive analysis of migration dynamics from the perspectives of nationals, non-nationals, policymakers, and prospective migrants. It highlights the multifaceted factors driving migration to the Gulf, including the transition from oil-dependent economies to knowledge-based industries and the shift from a reliance on low-wage migrant workers to the integration of highly skilled expatriates. It emphasizes the Gulf states as strategic destinations for the Arab and Asian middle classes, shaped by global dynamics such as the gig economy, cultural compatibility, and socio-economic instability in migrants’ countries of origin. Furthermore, the book offers a critical assessment of migration policies, focusing particularly on the inadequacies in safeguarding low-paid migrants, while challenging the prevailing notion that migration to the Gulf is temporary and primarily economically driven. Through an examination of new employment patterns, migration flows, and concepts of transnationalism, the book interrogates the future trajectories of Gulf societies. It is an indispensable resource for scholars interested in the region’s transitions and future prospects.