Since the coronavirus pandemic hit the Middle East, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have had to slash their budgets ruthlessly as oil prices fell drastically due to the lack of demand. As a result, masses of low-income migrant workers lost their jobs and returned to their countries, even though there was little chance of employment back home.  

Now, as the outflow of educated professionals also begins, their exodus carries risks for Middle Eastern economies, as many lucrative economic sectors could virtually collapse. Having few locals with the experience or education needed to replace skilled professionals, serious management issues may arise in the days ahead.

The International Monetary Fund had already warned that the Middle East would face an economic downslide this year due to coronavirus-related lockdowns and dipping oil prices in tandem. Now, without enough skilled professionals, economic activities in the Gulf region may not remain sustainable — and a stark future lies ahead for the GCC if the exodus is not addressed.

Many highly educated expats have been working in the Middle East for decades, but with scant prospects of re-employment following the pandemic and the economic downturn, they are packing their bags. According to the International Labor Organization, foreigners in the GCC region account for more than 10% of migrants the world over, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been home to the third and fifth largest expat populations.