Asians in the Arab world : labor migration and public policy

The paper surveys changes in the make-up of the migrant labor force in the Arab world over the past 10-15 years from a predominantly Arab one, to one largely made up of South Asians (Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis), to one currently made up of both South and East Asians (Koreans, Filipinos, etc.), as well as Arabs. The migration procedures followed by both donor and recipient countries are highlighted and estimates of remittances by migrant workers to their home countries presented. Special attention is paid to recipient country policies aimed at limiting the political risk posed by the migrants through measures preventing them from becoming permanent residents or citizens or from organizing collectively. It is concluded that the future of Asian workers in the Arab world will be influenced by economic conditions, including changes in labor force composition and future investment patterns. Political factors are harder to assess, but a trend toward increased preference for Arab workers is noted. Four tables are included in the text. An appendix provides estimates for migrant workers by Arab country.