Against the backdrop of the transformations of GCC demographics and economies, as well as the socio-political and economic contexts of origin countries, the purpose of the webinar series is to assess and forecast future trends and patterns of labor and migration to the Gulf states. Taking stock of the multiplicity of labor and migration determinants, from individual agency to meso-level and structural factors, the workshop seeks to: (i) Highlight the determinants (from proximate to remote) of labor and migration dynamics and policies in the Gulf states; (ii) Evaluate the outcomes of labor and migration-related policies and measures in the Gulf states on future flows, in terms of number, structure, characteristics, and dynamics, and critically assess existing estimates; (iii) Analyze the perceptions of Gulf states’ institutional context and migratory environments by the origin countries and the way these impact emigration policies, processes, and decision-making in those countries; and (iv) Assess the outcomes of socio-political and economic changes in origin countries on the future migration to the Gulf. The webinars bring together researchers, policymakers, and data producers from the GCC, countries of origin, and elsewhere.
Issues: Labor market, Labor policy, Economic reform, Migration policy, Demography, Statistics
Questions: What are the recent innovations and improvements in the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistical data on labor, migration, and labor migration in GCC states? What are the progresses made in the use of statistical data for socio-economic and demographic policymaking? What are the persisting challenges and possible ways to overcome these challenges? What are the ways forward?
