The drivers and trajectories of Nepalese multiple migrations to the Arab Gulf

Abstract

Within the last decade, oil-rich countries in the Middle East have become among the largest receivers of Nepalese labor migrants. It is estimated that about half of the total Nepalese labor migration currently funnels into Gulf Cooperation Council countries (the GCC). In this article, we explore the dynamics of these migrations based on in-depth interviews with Nepalese migrants at different stages of their migration trajectories. We find that migrations within the GCC are not a one-time phenomenon. Multiple migrations that involve crisscrossing the Arab Gulf are an important part of Nepalese migrants’ experiences. We distinguish between circular, serial and stepwise Nepalese migrations and argue that they are shaped by migrant strategies and the various local, regional and international structures that enable and constrain their migratory aspirations, temporary returns to Nepal and remigrations to the GCC and onwards.