Call for Policy Briefs

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 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 call for policy briefs is looking for potential authors to cover the following topics:

 

Policy Brief 1: Perceptions of Gulf Governments on the Outmigration of Skilled Talent to Onward Destinations

This brief should explore Gulf States policymakers’ views on the outmigration of highly skilled expatriates. It should be grounded in qualitative interviews with government officials and experts in the region. This brief should provide a holistic view on the preferences for short-term vs. long-term professional residency; overview of targeted retention policies for certain nationalities or professional fields; economic and institutional costs of losing upskilled foreign talent; evaluation of past and ongoing policy instruments aimed at talent attraction and retention and circular migration.

 

 

Policy Brief 2: Emigration from Gulf States to Europe (Case Study: Germany)

This brief will examine the trends, characteristics, and push-and-pull factors influencing the emigration of highly skilled professionals from the Gulf states to Germany. It should assess the key drivers behind this migration, including economic opportunities, career advancement, and lifestyle preferences, and explore the motivations and perceptions shaping these professionals’ decision-making processes. Authors are expected to analyse the profiles of these migrants, focusing on their qualifications, economic backgrounds, and skill sets. The brief should also explore the institutional and personal networks that support the emigration and integration of these professionals into Germany, providing insight into the broader structural factors that facilitate this migration.

 

Policy Brief 3: Emigration from the Gulf States to Europe (Case Study: France)

This brief will examine the trends, characteristics, and push-and-pull factors influencing the emigration of highly skilled professionals from the Gulf states to France. It will assess the key drivers behind this migration, including economic opportunities, career advancement, and lifestyle preferences, and explore the motivations and perceptions shaping these professionals’ decision-making processes. Authors are expected to analyse the profiles of these migrants, focusing on their qualifications, economic backgrounds, and skill sets. The brief should also explore the institutional and personal networks that support the emigration and integration of these professionals into France, providing insight into the broader structural factors that facilitate this migration.

 

1. Deliverables

• A 500-word outline (including methodology and sources)
• A 2,500-word policy brief (including a 500-word executive summary) written in British English.
• A 250-word biography of the author and a professional photograph
• Participation in a webinar on the topic

 

1.  Timeline

• 15 May 2025: Submission of outline and executive summary
• 15 July 2025: Submission of full first draft
• 15 September 2025: Submission of final revised version

 

1. 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 a policy brief.

 

1. Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. migration studies, labour economics, public policy etc.)
• Demonstrated expertise in the subject matter of the proposed policy paper
• Preferably, familiarity with Gulf labour markets and migration dynamics
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken

 

1. Applications

• Applications should include a CV and at least one sample of a previously published policy brief or paper.
• Applications should be submitted to: gulf@kas.de

Deadline for receiving applications: 14 May 2025