Temporary Migration Assessment and Practical Proposals For Overcoming Protection Gaps

Workshop on 18 and 19 September 2003 International Institute for Labour Studies In Cooperation With International Migration Programme, Social Protection Sector ILO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland

The Paradox of Temporary Migration in the GCC Countries

Mohammed Dito
Kingdom of Bahrain September 2003

Main Ideas
Historical overview Major Characteristics of GCC migrant workers. Issues to be addressed. Possible alternatives.

Historic Overview
Gulf countries were a result of waves of migrations (regional- international). Oil industry opened new era of migration. Seventies oil boom caused radical socioeconomic changes.

Changing Reasons for Migration

Political as well economic reasons. Oil era opened new dimensions for migration. Oil boom resulted in large scale migration. Sponsorship system created a black market for illegal practices resulting in rentier business. Cheap labour & sponsorship system produced a business culture based on low productivity enterprises, cheap wages and high profits. Distortion of aspects of the values system of society and business. Current patterns of using migrant workers is reproducing itself.

Major Characteristics of GCC Migrant Workers.

Duration of stay and legal features. Quantitative and qualitative aspects. Myth versus reality.

Features of Migration
No legal definition of migrant worker. Migration policy perceived as work-permit and/or visa policy. Contradiction between temporary migration procedures and actual reality. Workers rights are fundamental for both local and migrant workers and are linked.

Quantitative Aspects of Migrant Workers

53% (96,500) stay for more than 4 years Most are low skilled Most employed in personal services and construction 90% (162,000) are from Asia Asians stay longest 71% (129,000) are aged 30 and over
(Based on Bahrain census 2001)

50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 <2

Non-Bahraini Workers Current Duration of Stay

2 to 3

4 to 5

6 to 7 Years

8 to 9

> 10

SENIOR GOVT OFFICIALS PRIVAT E SECT OR MANAGERS WORKING PROPRIET ORS PROFESSIONALS ADMINIST RAT ORS T ECHNICIANS OFFICE & ADMINIST RAT IVE CLERICAL COMMERCIAL MEDIAT ION RET AIL SELLING T ECHNICAL PERSONAL & HOUSING SERVICES RELIGIOUS & PROT ECT IVE T RANSPORT , CARGO, PACKING AGRICULT URAL, ANIMAL AQUAT IC ANIMALS WORK SUPERVISORS

10000

15000

Occupational Group
MINERS, QUARRYMEN & CHEMICAL OPERAT IONS FOOD INDUST RY UNKNOWN

MECHANICAL OCCUPAT IONS ELECT RICAL & ELECT RONICS CARPENT ERS & DECORAT ORS CONST RUCT ION EQUIPMENT & INST RUMENT ASSEMBLY

NonBahraini Workers 2001 Census

INDUST RIAL OPERAT IONS

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

50000

5000

Common Myths Vs. Reality

Myth. Migrant jobs are complementary to host population jobs. Migrants are also consumers who stimulate local demand. Reality. Migrant worker jobs are an alternative to local jobs due to characteristics of migrant workers High remittance and low local spending due to short term nature of migration and restrictions on bringing their families.

Common Myths Vs. Reality

Myth.
No. Of migrant workers depends on the state of economy .

Reality.
High rates of imported labour during periods of slow economic growth ( UNDP report on human resource development in Bahrain 2001 ). Illegal forms of using foreign labour, has produced hidden economy affecting the demand for migrant workers and disguising the real needs. Current practices of using migrant workers affects the general level of wages and discourages productivity improvement, it also discourages employers from improving their work organizations and developing their workforces.

Common Myths Vs. Reality

Myth Migrant workers endanger the social, economic and political stability of GCC states. Reality Migrant workers in themselves do not impose a danger. It is the terms and conditions of temporary migration and the absence of workers rights and protections that creates an environment of instability.

Issues to Be Addressed
Procedures only no coherent strategy. Migrant workers rights. Their economic & social situation: health, education, housing. Migrant workers & localization efforts.

What Can Be Done ?

Admitting the reality of migration in these countries: defining a
clear and realistic strategy and policy for migration.

Linking migration policy with localization:

reforming the current migrations practices not as opposites to localizations but to complement it, and this requires economic as well political reform.

Initiating and developing a consultative process between sending

and receiving countries , based on mutual respect and benefit . migrant workers rights.

Need for more active role for workers organisations to defend