ABSTRACT
The first section of this chapter explores two recent developments – and the origins of these shifts – in research and advocacy concerning Gulf migrant worker rights: 1) an intensified focus on the home-country recruitment process and related ‘fees’ paid by migrants; and 2) a strategic shift toward advocacy targeting businesses with interests in the region. The second section makes a case to advocates concerned about recruitment fees – and to the academics upon whom they rely for information – for a more scientific, targeted and comprehensive approach to identifying employers of migrants and their clients in sectors like construction. The third section points out key remaining information gaps related to clients and employers in the Gulf construction sector and presents novel preliminary data and conclusions. This section also explores the ways in which several of these data points suggest fruitful lines of inquiry for future research. Finally, the concluding section of the chapter proposes a way forward, given the remaining gaps outlined.
