Abstract
Due to its accommodative labor market and scores of employment opportunities,
Saudi Arabia is one of the prime destinations for international migrant workers
from Asia and Africa. However, its migration policies have been reported as
inhospitable and discriminatory for variety of reasons. This paper aims to
document the lived experiences of Pakistani migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. A
total of 15 returnee migrant workers in selected villages of District Malakand
were identified through snow ball sampling method. A qualitative method of
study was adopted to conduct in-depth interviews with migrant workers while
adopting data saturation principles. Based on the first hand information
collected from the study participants, their personal migration stories were
documented and a thematic discussion was performed. It is concluded from this
study that migrant workers in Saudi Arabia have been socially marginalized and
economically subjugated in many aspects which includes confiscation of travel
documents, Aqama (work permit) renewal process, absence of favorable and
secured working environment, job substitution, and withheld wages. Reforms in
the existing immigration policies are recommended to protect the basic rights of
migrant workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Khalil ur Rahman, Noor Sanauddin. (2016) Understanding the Lived Experiences of Pakistani Migrant Workers in Saudi Arabia: A Study in District Malakand, Pakistan, Putaj Humanities And Social Science, Volume-23, Issue-1.
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