Gulf jobs for migrant workers: Record remittance inflows may be masking a coming collapse

LAHORE: Asia’s migration map is being redrawn by tighter borders, war and artificial intelligence, with experts warning that record remittance inflows may be masking a coming collapse in Gulf jobs for migrant workers.

The warning came on Wednesday at the close of a two-day international conference organised by the Centre on International Migration, Remittances and Diaspora (CIMRAD) at the Lahore School of Economics. The event, themed “Future Drivers of International Migration from Asia,” devoted its second day to irregular migration.

Dr Fareeha Zafar cited political instability, economic insecurity, unemployment and poor access to education as key drivers. She noted that women on irregular routes face heightened risks, including trafficking.

Marco Mogiani of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development said stricter EU border controls, biometric surveillance and return measures have altered migration patterns from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Françoise De Bel-Air observed that opportunities are growing for skilled professionals, while avenues for low- and semi-skilled workers are narrowing across North America, Europe and the Gulf. Froilan Malit called the Asia-Gulf corridor the Global South’s most resilient labor migration system.

Dr Nasir Iqbal of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics said 2026 has reshaped the landscape. He argued that conflict and AI are pushing Gulf states to select workers by skill and occupation, and that these changes could affect seven in ten jobs traditionally held by migrants.

A high-level session on the impact of the US-Iran-Israel conflict, chaired by Dr Rashid Amjad, followed. Dr Nasra M Shah delivered the vote of thanks.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026