Journal of Arabian Studies
Volume 2, Issue 2, 2012, Pages 173-187

Attitudes Towards Migrant Workers in the GCC: Evidence from Qatar (Article)

Diop A.* , Tessler M. , Trung Le K. , Al-Emadi D. , Howell D.
  • a Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI), Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
  • b Department of Political Science, University of Michigan, 503 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1340, United States
  • c SESRI, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
  • d SESRI, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
  • e Center for Political Studies and Director of Studies, Comparative Study of Electoral Systems and Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2321, United States

Abstract

With the majority of Qatar's total population made up of foreigners (high-skilled and low-skilled migrant workers), Qatari nationals may feel that there are significant challenges for their society; despite the absence of employment competition, this may lead many Qataris to see problems as well as benefits in the presence of these migrant workers in their country. Using a split-sample technique, Qataris' attitudes towards these foreigners were assessed. Results suggest that Qataris displayed a stronger positive attitude towards the high-skilled workers, but the difference was much smaller than that found in other societies. This may be attributed to Qataris' dependence on low-skilled migrants. However, even with the acknowledgement of Qatar's dependence on these workers, it is still a relatively rare phenomenon in the modern context. © 2012, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

public opinion surveys attitudes towards immigrants GCC countries

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85059533702&doi=10.1080%2f21534764.2012.735453&partnerID=40&md5=ee07e9003d6b222882d96bfaa48036a8
DOI: 10.1080/21534764.2012.735453
ISSN: 21534780
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English