ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/GRID/2007/11
Country: Arab region, ESCWA Member States, Arab Republic of Egypt, United Arab Emirates
Publication Type: Reports & studies
Cluster: Shared Economic Prosperity
Focus Area: Financing for development, Future of employment, Trade & regional connectivity
Initiatives: Transport and trade connectivity
SDGs: Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Keywords: Arab countries, Trade liberalization, Employment, Labour mobility, Labour movements, Trade agreements, Trade in services, Unemployment, Case studies, Employment creation, Recommendations, Workforce, International trade
The Movement of Natural Persons Under the General Agreement on Trade in Services and its Impact on Arab Countries
January 2007
The movement of natural persons is a major concern for developing countries, where the labour force is seen as a major pillar for development. This study highlights the marked disparity in unemployment rates, income levels and production structure among Arab countries. It examines the movement of natural persons under the General Agreement on Trade in Services and in relation to international trade. It sets out the obligations of Arab countries in this respect, their stand in the ongoing World Trade Organization negotiations on the movement of natural persons and the expected results of those negotiations. It also provides examples of practical implementation in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and offers recommendations to Arab countries on importing and exporting employment.
Related content
Financing for development
, Future of employment
, Trade & regional connectivity
,
The movement of natural persons is a major concern for developing countries, where the labour force is seen as a major pillar for development. This study highlights the marked disparity in unemployment rates, income levels and production structure among Arab countries. It examines the movement of natural persons under the General Agreement on Trade in Services and in relation to international trade. It sets out the obligations of Arab countries in this respect, their stand in the ongoing World Trade Organization negotiations on the movement of natural persons and the expected results of those negotiations. It also provides examples of practical implementation in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and offers recommendations to Arab countries on importing and exporting employment.
