Posted: January 18th, 2023

Migration and unskilled workers in the GCC with a focus on Kuwait

Research proposal – Migration and unskilled workers in the GCC with a focus on Kuwait
We are asked to construct a research design entails writing a research proposal including a detailed rationale for the proposed research project, a literature review, research questions, theoretical arguments to be pursued in the research project, a detailed discussion of the methodology that would be used in the proposed research project, and a critical discussion of ethical considerations bearing on the research. I am interested in migration
and unskilled workers in the GCC, with a focus on Kuwait. I would like to investigate the challenges and opportunities that unskilled migrant workers face in Kuwait, and how these factors impact their lives and livelihoods.
Rationale for the Proposed Research Project:
Migration has been a key feature of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for decades, with millions of migrant workers from different countries coming to the region to work in a variety of sectors, including construction, domestic work, and retail. These workers often come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, and they play a crucial role in the economic development of the GCC countries. However, despite the importance of these workers, they often face a variety of challenges, including discrimination, poor living and working conditions, and limited access to social services.
Kuwait, in particular, has a significant population of unskilled migrant workers, who make up a significant portion of its labor force. These workers often come from low-income countries and face a variety of challenges, such as limited access to legal protections, limited ability to form unions or advocate for their rights, and difficulty accessing basic services like healthcare and education.
Given the importance of unskilled migrant workers in Kuwait and the challenges they face, there is a need for further research on this topic. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that unskilled migrant workers face in Kuwait, and how these factors impact their lives and livelihoods.
Research Questions:
-What are the main challenges that unskilled migrant workers face in Kuwait?
-How do these challenges impact their lives and livelihoods?
-What are the main opportunities that unskilled migrant workers have in Kuwait?
-How do these opportunities impact their lives and livelihoods?
-How the Kuwaiti Government and other stakeholders addressing these challenges and opportunities?
Theoretical Arguments:
This research will draw on theories of migration and labor, as well as theories of power and social inequality. The research will also be informed by a human rights perspective, which emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of migrant workers and ensuring that they are treated fairly and humanely.
Methodology:
This research will employ a qualitative research design, using both semi-structured interviews and participant observation as methods of data collection. Interviews will be conducted with unskilled migrant workers, as well as with representatives from NGOs, trade unions, and other organizations that work with unskilled migrant workers. Participant observation will also be conducted at locations such as workplaces and housing areas where unskilled migrant workers congregate. The researcher will also analyze government policy documents and other materials related to unskilled migrant workers in Kuwait.
Ethical Considerations:
There are several ethical considerations that must be taken into account when conducting research on unskilled migrant workers in Kuwait. These include protecting the anonymity and confidentiality of participants, ensuring that participation in the research is voluntary, and obtaining informed consent from participants. Additionally, the researcher must take into account the potential risks to participants that may be associated with participating in the research, such as potential retaliation from employers or the government. The researcher will also need to consider the potential impact of the research on the lives of the participants, which could be negative in the sense of providing information that could be used against them.
The proposed research project will investigate the challenges and opportunities that unskilled migrant workers face in Kuwait, and how these factors impact their lives and livelihoods. By providing a detailed examination of this topic, the research will contribute to a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding unskilled migrant workers in Kuwait, and will inform the development of policies and practices that can improve their living and working conditions and