Migration from Ghana to the Gulf States: A scoping review

Evidence shows that Gulf States have become key destinations for Ghanaian migrants, mainly driven by expanding economic prospects and restrictive migration policies in Western countries. However, this increasing trend remains underexplored. Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, this study conducted a scoping review of the existing literature on the Ghana–Gulf migration corridor using databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The thematic analysis found that while migration to the Gulf offers economic opportunities, it also exposes migrants to significant vulnerabilities, including exploitation, food insecurity, and limited institutional protections. Gender inequalities are particularly evident, with women, especially domestic workers, facing higher risks of abuse and marginalization. Although Ghana–Gulf migration continues to be an important livelihood strategy, it is embedded within systems of opportunity, precarity, and inequality. Addressing these issues through research and policy actions is crucial to promoting fair and sustainable migration outcomes.