South Asian Migrant Workers and the Challenges of Gulf Migration Regimes: Advocating for a Regional Alliance

Gulf countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—have been key destinations for South Asian migrants since the 1970s’ oil boom. However, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the extreme vulnerabilities of migrant workers, particularly low-skilled laborers, due to their precarious status under the kafala system. The system ties workers to their employers, restricting mobility and access to rights. The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, with widespread wage losses, limited healthcare access, and rising deaths among migrant workers. These issues underscore the unsustainability of current migration regimes and highlight the urgency for resilient, equitable policies. This article examines the trends in Gulf migration from South Asia and evaluates short-term policy measures implemented to address vulnerabilities during crises like COVID-19. It argues that a regional alliance among South Asian labor-sending countries is essential to address systemic challenges, promote sustainable migration practices, and protect migrant workers’ welfare. By focusing on policy reforms that prioritize social security, mobility rights, and equitable treatment, the article emphasizes the need for collaborative approaches between origin and destination countries. The study concludes that such alliances can enhance the resilience of migration regimes and ensure the long-term sustainability of South Asian workers’ contributions to Gulf economies.