摘要
This paper presents results of a pilot research conducted among social networks of both Sudanese and Egyptians in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia （SA）. The main objectives of the research are focused into four interrelated issues： （1） to analyse the structural-function of the social networks of Sudanese and Egyptian migrants; （2） to explain the opportunities and challenges confronting the social networks; （3） to examine the elements of implications on SA society as perceived by the networks; and （4） to identify perceived future visions of the social network members in the context of their social and economic remittances in both countries. The research has applied a qualitative method and a structured interview sheet was used for data collection. The Sudanese sample focused on members from a Nubian social network in ]eddah who resemble skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labours, while the Egyptian sample selected randomly from semi-skilled youth labours and unskilled labours as informal groups. The research has found some differences in the structural functions of both groups. There are many similarities shared between the two groups in relation to conserving social ties, support and cooperation as one homogeneous socio-ethnic groups in the hosting country. Also, the results show that both groups follow similar strategies of social and economic remittances to home land. Moreover, both groups are suffering and facing many shared challenges regarding economic security and sustainability in the hosting country. While, the Sudanese group has clear vision in respect of the betterment of the migrants in SA, the Egyptian group perceives the future as gloomy and uncertain.
