Building Nations with Non-Nationals – Ivan Szelenyi, Riaz Hassan & Vladislav Maksimov

The Exclusionary Immigration Regimes of the Gulf Monarchies

Product Details

• Authors: Ivan Szelenyi, Riaz Hassan, Vladislav Maksimov
• Title: Building Nations with Non-Nationals – The Exclusionary Immigration Regimes of the Gulf Monarchies
• ISBN: 9789631364668 / 978-9631364668
• ISBN-10: 9631364666
• Pages: 136
• Publisher: Corvina
• Publication Year: 2018
• Language: English
• Format: Paperback

Overview

The Gulf monarchies are among the wealthiest states in the world, yet their nation-building strategies present a unique paradox: their economies and infrastructure are heavily reliant on foreign labor, while citizenship and political participation remain strictly controlled. Building Nations with Non-Nationals by Ivan Szelenyi, Riaz Hassan, and Vladislav Maksimov explores the exclusionary immigration regimes of the Gulf states and their long-term social, economic, and political implications.

This book delves into the structure of these regimes, where a vast majority of the workforce consists of non-citizens who contribute significantly to economic prosperity but are denied many basic rights, including citizenship, long-term residency, and political representation. The authors provide a comparative analysis of immigration policies, economic dependencies, and the challenges of integrating foreign workers into Gulf societies.

By examining historical developments, contemporary policies, and potential future trajectories, this book sheds light on the complex dynamics between Gulf ruling elites and their massive expatriate populations.

Key Features

• In-Depth Analysis of Gulf Immigration Policies: Examines the restrictive and exclusionary frameworks that govern migration in Gulf monarchies.
• Comparative Perspective: Provides insights into how different Gulf states manage their foreign labor forces while maintaining rigid citizenship policies.
• Economic and Political Impact: Discusses the paradox of economic reliance on migrants while denying them social integration.
• Case Studies and Data-Driven Research: Features empirical evidence, historical context, and theoretical perspectives on migration governance.
• Future Implications: Explores potential challenges and reforms that may shape immigration policies in the Gulf region.

Interesting Facts

1. Foreign Workers Make Up the Majority of the Workforce

In countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, non-nationals constitute over 80% of the total population and an even higher percentage of the labor force.

2. Kafala System and Labor Rights Issues

The Kafala (sponsorship) system ties migrant workers to employers, limiting their rights and mobility. This system has been criticized for enabling exploitation and labor abuses.

3. The Gulf’s Economic Dependence on Migrants

Despite their oil wealth, Gulf economies would struggle without migrant labor, as foreign workers dominate construction, domestic services, and even highly skilled sectors.

4. No Path to Citizenship for Most Expats

Unlike traditional immigration destinations, Gulf countries rarely offer permanent residency or citizenship, even to long-term residents who have lived in the region for decades.

5. Political Stability vs. Demographic Challenges

Gulf rulers maintain strict political control and limit naturalization to preserve national identity, but this creates long-term social and economic uncertainties.

Publisher

Corvina is a renowned publishing house known for its works on history, politics, and social sciences, offering insightful perspectives on global and regional issues.

We Appreciate Your Feedback!

Have you read Building Nations with Non-Nationals? Share your thoughts and help others by leaving a review!

Hashtags

#BuildingNationsWithNonNationals #ImmigrationPolicies #GulfMonarchies #MigrantWorkers #GulfEconomy #KafalaSystem #PoliticalExclusion #CorvinaPublishing #MiddleEastStudies #SocialSciences