Background
The KAS Regional Programme Gulf States in cooperation with the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration, and Population (GLMM) Programme at the Gulf Research Center (GRC) are implementing the second phase of their joint research project titled, “Stepwise and Return Migration between the Gulf, Europe, and North America.” This measure follows the first phase focused on “Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf States: How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?”
This measure aims to investigate the evolving transnational migration patterns of non-Gulf highly skilled professionals who relocate from countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to Europe (Germany, France, and the United Kingdom) and to North America (the United States and Canada). In a number of cases, these professionals subsequently return to the Gulf, either permanently or as part of cyclical or onward migration processes.
The project will comprehensively explore the diversity of migration experiences by analysing various forms of mobility, including repeated migration, secondary migration, serial migration, onward movement, and stepwise migration. In addition, it will examine the structure and direction of these movements through an assessment of different migration trajectories: linear, circular, lateral, and hierarchical. By mapping these patterns and trajectories, the project seeks to generate deeper insights into the motivations, strategies, and outcomes associated with highly skilled migration between the Gulf, Europe, and North America, while also contributing to evidence-based policy discussions on talent mobility, return migration, and labour market dynamics across these regions.
This statistical report will provide the following:
The statistical report aims to measure the attractiveness of five destination countries for highly skilled professionals (the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the United States and Canda). It will provide a general and synthetic picture of the numbers, characteristics, and dynamics of highly skilled migration to the five countries destination mentioned using available statistics and datasets. The expected report is a desk-based study, which will utilise international and European (OECD, Eurostat, etc.), as well as national sources, and any other source statistical and administrative data relevant to the assignment. The period of reference is 2010-2025, with an emphasis on the post-Covid period (2021 onwards).
The report will present data on annual inflows and evolution of the stocks of many highly skilled migrants in each country, the professional sectors they enter, and the main nationalities represented among these migrants in each country, and any information relevant for a comparison of the profile of highly skilled workers in the five countries. If available, any information on migration history (especially, step migration through the Gulf States), will be welcome. Special emphasis will be placed on Germany throughout the analysis.
1. Deliverables
- A Report of 5,000 to 6,000 words, with statistical tables, an introduction and a conclusion.
2. Timeline
- 25 August 2025: Submit first draft of the report
- 29 September 2025: Final submission of report
3. Contract and Remuneration
- The selected contractor will sign a contract with KAS Regional Programme Gulf States. This contract does not constitute employment with the programme but is for the purpose outlined in these ToRs only.
- Contractors should submit a quote for delivery of the statistical report.
4. Qualifications
- Advanced degree in a relevant discipline
- Proven expertise working with European and North American statistical, administrative, and other sources pertaining to highly skilled migration
- Preferably, knowledge of (highly skilled) migration to France, Germany, the UK, Canada, and/or the United States
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken
5. Applications
- Applications should include a CV and at least one relevant writing sample (e.g., a previously published policy brief, research paper, or statistical report), and a quote for the delivery for the statistical report.
- Applications should be submitted to: gulf@kas.de
- Deadline for receiving applications: 06 May 2025
