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Guest Workers

Definition

Guest workers are foreign laborers who are allowed to live and work temporarily in another country. They're usually invited by governments during periods of labor shortage or for specific jobs that aren't being filled by local workers.

Analogy

Think of guest workers like substitute teachers. When the regular teacher is unavailable or there's a need for additional help, a substitute steps in temporarily until the regular teacher returns or the extra workload is managed.

Related terms

Circular Migration: This term refers to the temporary and usually repetitive movement of a migrant worker between home and host areas. Many guest workers engage in circular migration, returning home after their work contract ends before potentially going abroad again.

Remittances: Money sent back home by migrants (including guest workers) to their families or communities in their home country.

Economic Migrants: These are people who migrate from one region to another seeking improved standard of living or better job opportunities. Guest workers fall under this category as they typically migrate for economic reasons.