International Migration and Development: Indians in the Persian Gulf

Abstract

As countries with great wealth low populations and labor shortages the gulf states rely heavily on imported labor to fuel the development process. They do not allow migrants to become citizens. This article examines the social economic and political effects of this strategy of development by exploring the role of Indians who with Pakistanis form the largest group of migrants to the Gulf states. The apparent impermanence of migration to these states (reflected in receiving and sending countries policies and in the migrants attitudes and behaviors) is illusory it is argued. Such fundamental structural changes have taken place in the economies and labor markets of the region that non-nationals are an enduring part of the labor force. (authors) (summaries in ENG FRE SPA)