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 of America 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 project includes a pilot field survey targeting highly skilled third-country nationals working in the Gulf. The aim of the study is to assess their intentions and motivations for migrating from the Gulf to five countries in the Global North (Canada, the US, the UK, Germany, and France), as well as their evaluation of each destination. The study will also explore intentions to return to the Gulf. The survey may include focus group discussions, online questionnaires, and selected interviews with both current and prospective migrants in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
1. Tasks
In cooperation with a senior GLMM staff member, the selected contractor will conduct and organise the pilot survey and the design of plan for a larger survey. Their tasks will be:
- Define the most relevant methodology for the pilot survey
- Develop the survey instruments
- Launch the survey
- Process the data
- Conduct data analysis and interpretation
- Reflect on lessons learned and propose ideas for scaling or enhancing the survey in potential future phases of the project
2. Deliverables
- Methodology for the pilot survey
- Questionnaire for the pilot survey
- Analytical report of the pilot survey
- Plan for a larger survey
3. Timeline
- 14 June 2025: Methodology and Questionnaire finalised
- 15 June - 14 September 2025: Pilot survey implementation
- 15 October 2025: First draft report pilot survey
- 31 October 2025: First draft plan for larger survey
- 30 November 2025: Final draft report pilot survey
- 30 November 2025: Final draft plan for larger survey
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 survey.
5. Qualifications
- Senior professional
- Proven research experience in migration to and from the Gulf
- Ability to design a comprehensive survey methodology related to the topic
- Familiarity with developing semi-structured and structured tools for data collection through online platforms or small group/individual interviews
- Experience in collecting, processing, and analysing online survey data as well as focus group discussions
- Fluency in the English
- Preferably residing in the Gulf, or with substantial recent experience living, working, or studying in the Gulf
- Preferably, has knowledge of onward migration from the Gulf
- Preferably, has knowledge of (highly skilled) migration to France, Germany, the UK, Canada, and/or the US
6. Applications
- Applications should include a CV and at least one sample of a previously published policy brief or paper and, a quote for delivery of survey.
- Applications should be submitted to: gulf@kas.de
- Deadline for receiving applications: 14 May 2025