As the global community grapples with various challenges, Iran is witnessing a phenomenon more rapid than the spread of the Coronavirus: an alarming surge in migration.
The destructive policies of the Iranian regime, coupled with economic turmoil and widespread repression of freedoms and human rights, have catapulted the nation into a “manpower super challenge,” according to the state-run daily Tejarat News.
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Tejarat News identifies Iran’s current predicament as a failure to harness its human capital effectively.
The country is undergoing one of the most significant waves of immigration in its history, resulting in a concerning decline in its global competitiveness for talent. In just one year, Iran has plummeted four places, ranking 116 among 134 countries in 2023 compared to 2022.
Despite being a nation rich in human capital, Iran faces a paradox of low capacity, unsatisfactory recruitment policies, and diminished empowerment and productivity.
The absence of coherent plans and official oversight has exacerbated the complexity of the country’s human capital migration, pushing Iran towards a precarious state described as the “low skill trap.” This looming trap threatens severe and destructive consequences for the country’s human capital, businesses, and development plans.
The challenge of absorbing low-skilled foreign immigrants further complicates the situation, potentially leading Iran into an “immigrant society” characterized by an influx of individuals with limited skills.
As Iran grapples with internal crises, regional competitors, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Oman, and others, are poised to exploit the opportunities presented by the mass exodus of talent.
The absence of comprehensive research or open discourse on immigration exacerbates the issue. While estimates vary, with numbers ranging from four to twelve million immigrants, even the most conservative figures represent a significant loss of intellectual, human, cultural, and symbolic capital.
These immigrants, possessing high education and skills, contribute economically almost on par with the populations of the countries they relocate to.
Iran, once a nation boasting high human capital, is grappling with a critical mismatch between its potential and its ability to absorb and empower its citizens.
This stark reality, reflected in low global rankings for key indicators, has given rise to both overt and covert migrations, further weakening the nation’s socio-economic fabric.
The consequences of this mass exodus are far-reaching, with implications for Iran’s future development, stability, and standing on the world stage.
