The Choice of First Destination for Immigrants: Determining Factors and the Immigration Policy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Economics is considered the most significant factor influencing the human behaviour of migration. Reports suggest that around 30% of Saudi Arabia’s population are immigrants, mostly from Asian countries. This figure is high compared to other countries. Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil as part of its Vision 2030. Therefore, the government seeks to attract more foreign investors. This paper examines immigrants’ initial migration and destination choices. Focusing on migration in Saudi Arabia, the study aids in understanding how foreign-born immigrants congregate in gateways where resources are available. Immigration studies have focused on specific theories to understand the international immigration process. Ecological theory, assimilation theory, neoclassical theory, and new economics are among the most significant theories in this field. These theories aid in understanding Saudi Arabian migration in terms of the decision to relocate and the choice of destination. To achieve this study’s objectives, all related and previous studies were reviewed according to the nature of this study. This involved discussing and focusing on the initial gateways chosen by first-generation immigrants. The researcher also used the Geographic Information System to design maps illustrating the population distribution in several Saudi Arabian cities. Keywords: population, immigration, gateways, assimilation theory, neoclassical theory