ABSTRACT
Policy makers and commentators in states which export labor share almost without exception two traits in the early, expansionary phases of labor exporting. First, they believe that labor exports are long-term and beneficial, in the sense that they generate foreign exchange and reduce unemployment. Second, they exaggerate the extent of a national work force’s participation in a migratory movement. These misconceptions often persist in the face of a welter of information clearly suggesting a rather smaller number of migrants than official claims.[ 1 ] Egyptian planners have exhibited both of these misconceptions, and are only gradually gaining an increased cognizance of the realities of their country’s situation with respect to labor exporting in the Arab Region.
