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Highly Skilled Migrant Workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Relational Perspective / SHROUG ALOTAIBI

Swansea University Author: SHROUG ALOTAIBI

  • E-Thesis under embargo until: 20th November 2028

DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.71033

Abstract

This thesis explores the working experiences of highly skilled migrant workers (HSMWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) through a multi-level analytical framework encompassing macro (policy), meso (organizational), and micro (individual) factors. Using an exploratory sequential mixed-method desi...

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Published: Swansea 2025
Institution: Swansea University
Degree level: Doctoral
Degree name: Ph.D
Supervisor: Rich, N.
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71033
first_indexed 2025-12-01T16:02:04Z
last_indexed 2025-12-05T09:33:10Z
id cronfa71033
recordtype RisThesis
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Using an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, the research addresses a significant gap in migration literature by focusing on the under-researched meso-level dynamics while maintaining a holistic perspective across all three levels.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 purposively selected participants, including 15 HSMWs across diverse sectors and regions and 8 Saudi experts, and validated through quantitative questionnaire responses from 108 respondents. The study employed Human Capital Theory and Social Exchange Theory as theoretical lenses to understand the complex interplay of factors shaping HSMWs experiences in KSA's evolving labour market context.Key findings reveal that KSA's demand for HSMWs varies significantly across sectors, with healthcare, technology, and engineering showing persistent skills gaps, while general management roles increasingly favour Saudi nationals due to successful Saudization initiatives.The research identifies a fundamental transformation in the Kafala system, where HR departments have largely replaced traditional Kafeel as primary points of contact for HSMWs, creating more professional and equitable employment relationships, particularly in government-affiliated organizations. A critical finding demonstrates how HR departments have become central mediators in the modern labour system, with 75% of respondents prioritizing their relationship with HR teams over traditional sponsors. This shift represents a professionalization of migrant worker management, where structured onboarding, comprehensive support systems, and formalized employment processes have replaced the historically informal and often exploitative sponsor-dependent arrangements. The study reveals significant sectoral variations in HR effectiveness, with larger organizations and government entities providing superior support compared to smaller private enterprises.At the micro level, the study uncovers a complex hierarchy based on nationality, with Western migrants receiving preferential treatment and compensation compared to Asian and Arab counterparts despite equivalent qualifications. Also, the study makes significant theoretical contributions by extending Human Capital Theory to demonstrate how human capital valuation is socially constructed through nationality, gender, and institutional filters rather than being purely merit-based. It advances Social Exchange Theory by revealing how institutional constraints create "trapped exchanges" where traditional reciprocity assumptions break down due to restricted labour mobility, while simultaneously showing how professional HR practices can restore balance to these relationships.Methodologically, the research demonstrates the value of multi-level analysis in migration studies and provides practical insights for policymakers seeking to balance workforce nationalization goals with the strategic need for specialized international talent. 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spelling 2025-12-03T10:05:57.6837323 v2 71033 2025-12-01 Highly Skilled Migrant Workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Relational Perspective 93a48eb9a0a187377f3e73999658f422 SHROUG ALOTAIBI SHROUG ALOTAIBI true false 2025-12-01 This thesis explores the working experiences of highly skilled migrant workers (HSMWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) through a multi-level analytical framework encompassing macro (policy), meso (organizational), and micro (individual) factors. Using an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, the research addresses a significant gap in migration literature by focusing on the under-researched meso-level dynamics while maintaining a holistic perspective across all three levels.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 purposively selected participants, including 15 HSMWs across diverse sectors and regions and 8 Saudi experts, and validated through quantitative questionnaire responses from 108 respondents. The study employed Human Capital Theory and Social Exchange Theory as theoretical lenses to understand the complex interplay of factors shaping HSMWs experiences in KSA's evolving labour market context.Key findings reveal that KSA's demand for HSMWs varies significantly across sectors, with healthcare, technology, and engineering showing persistent skills gaps, while general management roles increasingly favour Saudi nationals due to successful Saudization initiatives.The research identifies a fundamental transformation in the Kafala system, where HR departments have largely replaced traditional Kafeel as primary points of contact for HSMWs, creating more professional and equitable employment relationships, particularly in government-affiliated organizations. A critical finding demonstrates how HR departments have become central mediators in the modern labour system, with 75% of respondents prioritizing their relationship with HR teams over traditional sponsors. This shift represents a professionalization of migrant worker management, where structured onboarding, comprehensive support systems, and formalized employment processes have replaced the historically informal and often exploitative sponsor-dependent arrangements. The study reveals significant sectoral variations in HR effectiveness, with larger organizations and government entities providing superior support compared to smaller private enterprises.At the micro level, the study uncovers a complex hierarchy based on nationality, with Western migrants receiving preferential treatment and compensation compared to Asian and Arab counterparts despite equivalent qualifications. Also, the study makes significant theoretical contributions by extending Human Capital Theory to demonstrate how human capital valuation is socially constructed through nationality, gender, and institutional filters rather than being purely merit-based. It advances Social Exchange Theory by revealing how institutional constraints create "trapped exchanges" where traditional reciprocity assumptions break down due to restricted labour mobility, while simultaneously showing how professional HR practices can restore balance to these relationships.Methodologically, the research demonstrates the value of multi-level analysis in migration studies and provides practical insights for policymakers seeking to balance workforce nationalization goals with the strategic need for specialized international talent. The findings have implications for understanding skilled migration dynamics in developing economies undergoing economic diversification, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council context. E-Thesis Swansea Migrations, Highly Skilled Migrants, Human Resources Management 20 11 2025 2025-11-20 10.23889/SUThesis.71033 COLLEGE NANME COLLEGE CODE Swansea University Rich, N. Doctoral Ph.D Saudi Cultural Attaché London/ King Abdulaziz University Saudi Cultural Attaché London/ King Abdulaziz University 2025-12-03T10:05:57.6837323 2025-12-01T13:09:42.8503659 Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences School of Management - Human Resource Management SHROUG ALOTAIBI 1 Under embargo Under embargo 2025-12-03T09:59:38.2946000 Output 3072949 application/pdf E-Thesis true 2028-11-20T00:00:00.0000000 Copyright: the author, Shroug Saud Alotaibi, 2025 true eng
title Highly Skilled Migrant Workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Relational Perspective
spellingShingle Highly Skilled Migrant Workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Relational Perspective
SHROUG ALOTAIBI
title_short Highly Skilled Migrant Workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Relational Perspective
title_full Highly Skilled Migrant Workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Relational Perspective
title_fullStr Highly Skilled Migrant Workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Relational Perspective
title_full_unstemmed Highly Skilled Migrant Workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Relational Perspective
title_sort Highly Skilled Migrant Workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Relational Perspective
author_id_str_mv 93a48eb9a0a187377f3e73999658f422
author_id_fullname_str_mv 93a48eb9a0a187377f3e73999658f422_***_SHROUG ALOTAIBI
author SHROUG ALOTAIBI
author2 SHROUG ALOTAIBI
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publishDate 2025
institution Swansea University
doi_str_mv 10.23889/SUThesis.71033
college_str Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
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hierarchy_top_id facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences
hierarchy_top_title Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
hierarchy_parent_id facultyofhumanitiesandsocialsciences
hierarchy_parent_title Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
department_str School of Management - Human Resource Management{{{_:::_}}}Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences{{{_:::_}}}School of Management - Human Resource Management
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description This thesis explores the working experiences of highly skilled migrant workers (HSMWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) through a multi-level analytical framework encompassing macro (policy), meso (organizational), and micro (individual) factors. Using an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, the research addresses a significant gap in migration literature by focusing on the under-researched meso-level dynamics while maintaining a holistic perspective across all three levels.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 purposively selected participants, including 15 HSMWs across diverse sectors and regions and 8 Saudi experts, and validated through quantitative questionnaire responses from 108 respondents. The study employed Human Capital Theory and Social Exchange Theory as theoretical lenses to understand the complex interplay of factors shaping HSMWs experiences in KSA's evolving labour market context.Key findings reveal that KSA's demand for HSMWs varies significantly across sectors, with healthcare, technology, and engineering showing persistent skills gaps, while general management roles increasingly favour Saudi nationals due to successful Saudization initiatives.The research identifies a fundamental transformation in the Kafala system, where HR departments have largely replaced traditional Kafeel as primary points of contact for HSMWs, creating more professional and equitable employment relationships, particularly in government-affiliated organizations. A critical finding demonstrates how HR departments have become central mediators in the modern labour system, with 75% of respondents prioritizing their relationship with HR teams over traditional sponsors. This shift represents a professionalization of migrant worker management, where structured onboarding, comprehensive support systems, and formalized employment processes have replaced the historically informal and often exploitative sponsor-dependent arrangements. The study reveals significant sectoral variations in HR effectiveness, with larger organizations and government entities providing superior support compared to smaller private enterprises.At the micro level, the study uncovers a complex hierarchy based on nationality, with Western migrants receiving preferential treatment and compensation compared to Asian and Arab counterparts despite equivalent qualifications. Also, the study makes significant theoretical contributions by extending Human Capital Theory to demonstrate how human capital valuation is socially constructed through nationality, gender, and institutional filters rather than being purely merit-based. It advances Social Exchange Theory by revealing how institutional constraints create "trapped exchanges" where traditional reciprocity assumptions break down due to restricted labour mobility, while simultaneously showing how professional HR practices can restore balance to these relationships.Methodologically, the research demonstrates the value of multi-level analysis in migration studies and provides practical insights for policymakers seeking to balance workforce nationalization goals with the strategic need for specialized international talent. The findings have implications for understanding skilled migration dynamics in developing economies undergoing economic diversification, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council context.
published_date 2025-11-20T05:32:09Z
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