Two Gulf states — the UAE and Qatar — are recognised globally for enticing skilled foreign workers. This is on display in the recently-released publication — the “Global Talent Competitiveness 2017”, from the Centre for Economic Growth at Insead, the Swiss business school.

The UAE and Qatar secured the 19th and 21st positions. The UAE ranks among the Top 5 countries in being an attraction pillar, securing 4th place. It appears in the Top 15 in the for retention and availability of vocational and technical skills. The UAE compares favourably with of numerous EU countries plus Canada.

The UAE is appreciated for providing a quality of life and facilitating business transactions. Expatriates comprise around 88 per cent of the population, in turn saying a great deal about the nature of living conditions. Dubai on its own boasts an efficient metro system and a world-class airport.

Likewise, Qatar performs well, securing third and 18th places in the attract and enabling of business environment pillars, respectively. The World Cup 2022 is providing an added attraction in enticing some of the more talented to work in Qatar.

At 42nd globally, Saudi Arabia ranks a distant third among GCC states. That for the rest of Gulf countries are Bahrain at 47th, Kuwait in 57th and Oman 59th. Jordan ranks ahead of Oman by a notch.

Unemployment

In addition, the report gives some disturbing statistics about the labour market and employment of youths. A mere one-quarter of the youth population of the GCC is said to be active in the labour market.

Unemployment is particularly burdensome in three Gulf countries — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. Of late, Saudi authorities have issued a ruling restricting job opportunities in shopping malls to nationals. Clearly, the extraordinary move aims at creating employment chances for women.

Astonishingly, 64 per cent of the GCC population remain outside of the labour market. The main culprit for this disturbing reality reflects low participation of women. Trouble is that some Gulf countries are suffering from unemployment among nationals despite relatively low-participation rates.

Also, the report touches upon the notion of overdependence on the public sector. Private sector firms are not known for providing the sort of job opportunities sought by locals. State spending is under pressure ever since the plunge of oil prices in mid-2014.

Most Kuwaiti nationals in the workforce are with state institutions, something not necessarily sustainable. Not long ago, authorities in Oman advised that the public sector could offer employment to a mere 10 per cent of new entrants to the job market.

The writer is a Member of Parliament in Bahrain.