Do guest worker programs give firms too much power?

Abstract

Guest worker programs increase opportunities for people to work globally, benefitting migrant workers and the firms and countries that receive them. Concerns about these programs are often related to the potential for firms to hold power over workers. Such power allows firms to earn higher profits by paying guest workers lower wages, and depresses the employment and wages of host nation citizens and permanent residents. The potential negative effects of guest worker programs can be countered by weakening the attachment between guest workers and their sponsors, and by setting and enforcing high wage and labor standards. ELEVATOR PITCHGuest worker programs allow migrants to work abroad legally, and offer benefits to workers, firms, and nations. Guest workers are typically authorized to work only in specific labor markets, and are sponsored by, and must work for, a specific firm, making it difficult for guest workers to switch employers. Critics argue that the programs harm host country citizens and permanent residents ("existing workers"), and allow employers to exploit and abuse vulnerable foreign-born workers. Labor market institutions, competitive pressures, and firm strategy contribute to the effects of migration that occur through guest worker programs.