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 call for synthesis papers is looking for potential authors to cover the following:
Emigration Drivers: Factors Driving Emigration from the Gulf to Secondary/Tertiary Destination Countries
This synthesis paper draws on nine case study policy briefs examining the emigration of highly skilled third-country nationals from Gulf countries to secondary or tertiary destinations in Europe and North America. It consolidates the main findings of these briefs, with a particular focus on the drivers of emigration from Gulf countries focusing on the push factors. The analysis is structured around key variables identified across the nine briefs, such as profession, working conditions, gender, and country of citizenship.
Highly Skilled Third Country National Migrants’ Perceptions of the Gulf, Europe and North America as Favoured Destinations
This synthesis paper is based on nine case study policy briefs examining the emigration of highly skilled third-country nationals from Gulf countries to secondary and tertiary destinations in Europe and North America. It compares migrants’ perceptions of attraction, retention, and repulsion factors across the three destination regions. Additionally, it draws on findings from the project’s pilot survey, which explores comparative perceptions of career opportunities and personal or family life in Europe, North America, and the Gulf. This synthesis specifically focuses on the pull factors influencing migration toward these third destinations.
1. Deliverables
- A 500-word outline, including the proposed methodology and key sources
- A final policy paper of 5,000-6,000 words, including an executive summary of 500 words (including tables and references) written in British English.
- A short biography of 250 words and a professional photograph of the author
- Participation in a webinar where the results of the papers will be disseminated
2. Timeline
- 15 May 2025: the authors will receive the abstracts of the 9 policy briefs
- 15 July 2025: the authors will receive the nine draft policy briefs
- 15 September 2025: submission of first draft of both synthesis papers
- 30 September 2025: the authors will receive the final versions of the 9 policy briefs
- 15 October 2025: the author(s) of the second synthesis paper will receive draft pilot survey report
- 31 October 2025: submission of final version of the first synthesis paper
- 15 November 2025: submission of final version of the second synthesis paper
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 a policy brief.
4. Qualifications
- Advanced degree in a relevant discipline
- Proven expertise on the topic of the proposed synthesis paper
- Preferably, knowledge of labour markets and migration to the Gulf
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken
5. Applications
- Applications should include a CV, at least one sample of a previously published policy brief or paper and a quote for the delivery of this paper.
- Applications should be submitted to: gulf@kas.de
- Deadline for receiving applications: 14 May 2025
