Call for Legal Report

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.

The legal report will include the following elements:

• A clear and comparative analysis of legal frameworks and provisions surrounding highly skilled migration to the five countries of interest in the project: France, Germany, the UK, Canada, and the US.
• Identification of key similarities and differences in legal approaches, where applicable.
• The report will consider national and regional (EU) employment regulations, incentive measures, immigration regulations including provisions concerning migrants’ families, as well as relevant bilateral agreements,  focusing on the post-Covid era (2021 onward).
• Provide a comparative overview of legal and policy frameworks to inform both policymakers and prospective migrants.

2. Deliverables

A legal report of 5,000 to 6,000 words that provides a detailed analysis of the relevant legal frameworks, with accurate referencing of all legal frameworks and provisions.

3. Timeline

• 25 August 2025: Submission of complete first draft of the report
• 29 September 2025: Submission of final, revised version of the report

4. 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 legal report.

5. Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline
• Proven familiarity with European and North American legal sources pertaining to migration
• Preferably, knowledge of (highly skilled) migration to France, Germany, the UK, Canada, and/or the US
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken

6. Applications

• Applications should include a CV and at least one sample of a previously published policy brief/paper and, a quote for delivery of the legal report.
• Applications should be submitted to: gulf@kas.de
• Deadline for receiving applications: 14 May 2025