Purpose Addressing unemployment and gender inequality issues forms part of global efforts to attain sustainable development by 2030. While many developing countries have a high rate of unemployment, Qatar maintains an exceptionally low aggregate unemployment rate; however, this conceals a marked gender disparity within its labor market. Consequently, this study assesses Qatar's unemployment outcomes by analyzing the effects of immigration, natural resources, and fertility rate, considering their current trends and potential implications for employment dynamics in the country. Design/methodology/approach This study employs time series data from 1991–2023 and robust regression techniques (FMOLS and CCR) to examine how immigration patterns, fertility rates, and natural resource abundance influence unemployment in Qatar. Findings The results reveal that immigration and natural resources increase overall and male unemployment, while resource abundance appears to reduce female unemployment, slightly narrowing the gender unemployment gap. In a rentier, migration-dependent economy such as Qatar, the findings are plausible because immigration primarily affects male-dominated sectors, increasing male unemployment through labor supply and wage competition channels. Resource dependence exacerbates structural imbalances via Dutch disease and capital-intensive growth patterns. However, resource abundance simultaneously expands public and service sectors, where female employment is concentrated, thereby slightly narrowing the gender unemployment gap. Research limitations/implications The study concludes that channeling resource rents into female skill development, complemented by skill-oriented immigration policies and targeted employability initiatives, is vital for achieving gender-equitable labor market outcomes. The findings contribute to policy debates on inclusive employment in resource-dependent economies. Originality/value The value of this study lies in its assessment of the relationship between natural resources, immigration, fertility rates, and unemployment in Qatar. This empirical assessment is scarce in the literature. Also, it analyzes the gender unemployment gap, providing further insights into gender-specific labour market dynamics. Moreover, it combines the resource curse theory, human capital theory, and demographic theories to explain unemployment outcomes. The findings contribute to policy formulation aimed at achieving these SDGs 5 and 8 particularly within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Kwakwa et al. (Mon,) studied this question.