Employability Assessment of Emigrant Gulf Returnees: The Case of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

Chinnu Thomas (), Ajithakumari Vijayappan Nair Biju () and Ratheesh R ()
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Chinnu Thomas: Mar Ivanios College (Autonomous)
Ajithakumari Vijayappan Nair Biju: University of Kerala
Ratheesh R: Mar Ivanios College (Autonomous)

Journal of International Migration and Integration, 2025, vol. 26, issue 1, No 7, 175-211

Abstract: Abstract The study examines the push and pull factors that effectuated return migration and the home country impediments that influence the sustainable reintegration of emigrant Gulf returnees (EGR) into the domestic labour market through employability. Our aim is to assess the repercussions of host and home country circumstances on their return preparedness and its subsequent affliction on their employability prospects. Data was collected from return migrants from the Gulf Cooperation Council, and quantitative methodology was employed, utilising a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach for analysis based on data gathered from the survey. The findings elucidate that external constraints in the home country significantly undermine the employability of returnees from GCC nations. Personal adversities, including familial obligations, health issues and a negative self-perception of one’s own employability, further exacerbate the challenges emigrant Gulf returnees face in securing stable employment. Besides, the study accentuates the significance of reintegration preparedness in achieving economic stability through enhanced employability. Comprehending the influence of pre and post-return circumstances and the degree of preparedness to return on the employability prospects of EGR provide valuable insights for policymakers. This understanding enables the development of tailored interventions that address the unique requirements and obstacles encountered by them.

Keywords: Return migration; Employability; Labour market challenges; Push—Pull factors; Home country circumstances; Return preparedness; Reintegration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s12134-025-01235-3

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