Skill Premium in the Gulf: The Impact of IT Proficiency on Wages of Indian Migrant Workers

This article investigates the role of information technology (IT) proficiency in shaping the wage outcomes of Indian migrant workers in the Gulf countries, with a focus on Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other major destinations. Using primary survey data collected through Pravasi organisations, the study employs an augmented Mincerian framework to assess the impact of both basic and advanced IT skills on earnings. The results indicate that IT proficiency is associated with significant wage premiums, with advanced IT skills yielding higher returns than those attributable to secondary-level education. These findings highlight the growing importance of digital competencies in the Gulf labour market and underscore their relevance for policy discussions on skill development and migrant labour integration.