In Bryan Caplan’s latest Substack post, “Reflections on United Arab Emirates,” he delves into his experience in the UAE and how it has shaped his views on open borders. The key takeaway from his post can be summarized by points #2 and #3.
Point #2 highlights the success of the UAE, attributing it to the fact that 88% of the population is foreign-born. This is the highest share of any country in the world. The UAE is closer to open borders than any other country, welcoming individuals from various backgrounds and professions. Whether you are a petroleum engineer or a janitor, the UAE offers opportunities for anyone willing to work hard to improve their lives. While there is a government approval process for migrant workers, the prospects of obtaining a work visa are relatively high regardless of one’s credentials.
Moving on to point #3, Caplan discusses Abu Dhabi and Dubai as living proof of Michael Clemens’ concept of “Trillion Dollar Bills on the Sidewalk.” These cities are modern marvels, resembling something out of a science fiction movie. The massive wealth and infrastructure in these cities would not have been possible without mass immigration. Foreigners play a crucial role in various sectors such as the petroleum industry, construction, and hospitality. Caplan argues that allowing more immigration could lead to trillions of dollars of economic output annually.
One interesting fact mentioned in the post is that while homosexuality is illegal in the UAE, no arrests have been made for it since 2015. This is a stark contrast to the treatment of LGBTQ individuals in Western countries several decades ago.
The comments on Caplan’s post shed light on the fact that the UAE operates a guest worker program rather than open borders. One commenter mentioned that if you lose your job in the UAE, you are expected to go back home. However, it is unclear whether individuals are given a grace period to find alternative employment.
Overall, Caplan’s post offers valuable insights into the UAE’s immigration policies and their impact on the country’s success. It raises important questions about the benefits of open borders and the role of immigration in economic development. The post is well worth reading for anyone interested in these topics.
