ABSTRACT
In this time of social upheaval and political change in the Arab world, the case of Lebanon and the current situation of Asian migrant workers in Lebanon might offer an insight into the future of the Gulf states. Following the theory of migrations and transnationalism inspired by Wallerstein, it is tempting to see the democratization discourse currently spreading over the Middle East impact on the integration of migrant workers in the receiving countries and boost trans-border social networks. Migrant workers are the main losers in the current Lebanese process of deregulation of the labour market and the general paralysis of social movements, as confirmed by every study on their living conditions and net financial gains after reimbursing expenses for recruitment, travel, accommodation and sometimes residence and work permit. Lebanese workers use migrants as scapegoats rather than allies in their struggle against elusive trade networks.
