On December 2, 2025, the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration, and Population (GLMM) Program of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), organized a workshop titled “The Future of Migration to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf: Retaining Foreign Talents and Skills.” The event was held at the GRC’s office in Riyadh.
On December 2, 2025, the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration, and Population (GLMM) Program of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), jointly with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), held a workshop titled “The Future of Migration to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf: Retaining Foreign Talents and Skills” at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh.
The workshop forms part of a multi-year project examining the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) capacity to attract and retain highly skilled migrants, with a specific focus on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
During the event, researchers presented original findings and policy recommendations were made. Deliberations were held among local and international experts, each representing government institutions, private sector companies, think tanks, and international organizations.
Key Discussion Themes
Experts explored:
- Legal frameworks and administrative procedures shaping skilled migration.
- Highly skilled migrants’ perceptions of opportunities and challenges in the Gulf.
- The importance of livability, career security, and long-term prospects in improving worker retention, noting that retaining talent requires more than immigration policy reforms.
- Participants emphasized that successful talent retention relies on creating a holistic environment that supports professional growth, personal well-being, and long-term stability.
- The project’s 18 publications—summarizing the research findings and recommendations—will be released in January 2026.
