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Migration Policy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States: A Critical Analysis

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Listed:
  • S. V. Aarthi
  • Mrutuyanjaya Sahu

Abstract

International labor migration is the unique reality of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. Despite seemingly open migration policies and reforms, the GCC states recently engaged in international and domestic policies to manage the migrant population better. Considering the dependency of Gulf states on migrant labor and the constant increase in migration to these states, this article aims to understand the policies pertaining to the presence, conditions of residence, integration, and socioeconomic rights of the migrant labor force. After an overview of migration trends and patterns in the GCC states, the article examines the migration policy framework that regulates and governs migration in the GCC. It also highlights the recent reforms and initiatives taken by the GCC states and a few sending countries which have impacted the migration flows, migrant rights, and development benefits of migration. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion on policy challenges and provides recommendations as a way forward.

Suggested Citation

  • S. V. Aarthi & Mrutuyanjaya Sahu, 2021. "Migration Policy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States: A Critical Analysis," Contemporary Review of the Middle East, , vol. 8(4), pages 410-434, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:crmide:v:8:y:2021:i:4:p:410-434
    DOI: 10.1177/23477989211028748
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Clemens, 2013. "Seize the Spotlight: A Case for Gulf Cooperation Council Engagement in Research on the Effects of Labor Migration," Working Papers id:5567, eSocialSciences.
    2. repec:sae:mrxval:v:38:y:2004:i:3:p:945-969 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Douglas S. Massey, 2015. "A Missing Element in Migration Theories," Migration Letters, Migration Letters, vol. 12(3), pages 279-299, September.
    4. Mathias Czaika & Hein De Haas, 2013. "The Effectiveness of Immigration Policies," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 39(3), pages 487-508, September.
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    3. Kohnert, Dirk, 2023. "The impact of foreign relations between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab Golf states on African migrants in the region," EconStor Preprints 300911, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    4. Abdelaziz Abdalla Alowais & Abubakr Suliman, 2025. "Family Chains: Kinship as a Mechanism of Labour Exploitation Among Bangladeshi Migrant Workers in Manufacturing and Labour-Intensive Sectors," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-16, June.

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