This study examines the evolving patterns of Turkish migration to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), positioning these changes within the broader context of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) migration trends. While previous research has predominantly focused on Turkish migration to Europe, Turkish migration to the Gulf, particularly the UAE, has received less attention, especially concerning post-2010 developments. Historically dominated by male, project-tied construction workers, Turkish migration to the UAE is increasingly characterized by the presence of white-collar professionals, investors, and their families. This demographic shift is underscored by the demographic expansion of the Turkish community in the UAE, evidenced by the 95.5% increase in overseas voter numbers, which rose from 6,525 to 12,757 between 2018 and 2023. The research explores how these emerging trends necessitate the adaptation of migration policies in both Turkey and the UAE. Utilizing qualitative data from an online survey conducted with 987 Turkish-origin migrants in the UAE, supplemented by two years of ethnographic fieldwork, the study applies an intersectional theoretical framework. This approach enables a nuanced analysis of how migration experiences vary across different social categories, including gender, education level, and occupational status. By addressing these varied experiences, the study aims to inform more targeted and effective policy recommendations for both the sending and receiving countries.

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Evolving Patterns of Turkish Migration to the UAE: Dynamics, Policies, and Future Prospects

  • Burak Yalım

摘要

This study examines the evolving patterns of Turkish migration to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), positioning these changes within the broader context of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) migration trends. While previous research has predominantly focused on Turkish migration to Europe, Turkish migration to the Gulf, particularly the UAE, has received less attention, especially concerning post-2010 developments. Historically dominated by male, project-tied construction workers, Turkish migration to the UAE is increasingly characterized by the presence of white-collar professionals, investors, and their families. This demographic shift is underscored by the demographic expansion of the Turkish community in the UAE, evidenced by the 95.5% increase in overseas voter numbers, which rose from 6,525 to 12,757 between 2018 and 2023. The research explores how these emerging trends necessitate the adaptation of migration policies in both Turkey and the UAE. Utilizing qualitative data from an online survey conducted with 987 Turkish-origin migrants in the UAE, supplemented by two years of ethnographic fieldwork, the study applies an intersectional theoretical framework. This approach enables a nuanced analysis of how migration experiences vary across different social categories, including gender, education level, and occupational status. By addressing these varied experiences, the study aims to inform more targeted and effective policy recommendations for both the sending and receiving countries.