Return migration and occupational change: the case of Pakistani migrants returned from the Middle East.

Abstract

This paper reports on the factors affecting occupational composition of Pakistani workers upon their return from Middle East employment locations as determined by using the 1986 ILO/ARTEP Survey of Return Migrant Households. Three issues related to post-migration occupation change of return migrants were explored: 1) the comparison of occupational composition in the pre-migration phase with the composition during migration; 2) the direction of occupational change; and 3) the factors affecting these changes after return. 44% of the total employed in the ILO sample changed their pre-migration occupations upon return from employment in production or service jobs to smallbusinessrelated employment; the highest level of occupational change was observed in nonirrigated areas. Occupational change was strongly related to migrants' duration of stay in the Middle East, their ages upon returning, and their level of educational attainment. Occupational mobility experienced by the returnees was mainly towards the business sectora direction approved by the Pakistan Government. The preference of the returnees to work independently might have enabled them to earn sufficient money to maintain their higher standard of living into the period following return migration. It is concluded that in order to achieve stability in the businesses established by the returnees, the Overseas Pakistanis' Foundation should provide services, including project-oriented training courses and loan plans, that will aid the returnees in managing their small businesses.