Previous Issues

The pattern of labor migration to the Arab Gulf States in the last few decades has been a peculiar one, due to the volume and rapidity with which it has taken place. Ambitious schemes of socio-economic development have been generated a constant need for immigrant workers at all skill levels. Immigration has contributed to certain economic gains for the workers like higher income and better living conditions. However, it raises significant social policy issues, particularly with respect to uniting families, social security, and health and welfare services. Strains of migration, needs and problems of migrant workers have to be dealt with. Social work in Kuwait is a case in point. Although for social work to flourish and to develop rapidly in a short period, an identifiable social work role towards the welfare of migrant workers has yet to emerge. It is high time for social work to review its actual patterns of education and practice and to seek new roles that would prove the viability of the profession in the Arab Gulf States.