The migration trend in Iran, encompassing diverse social classes, from highly skilled professionals to laborers, is undergoing a profound transformation, gaining momentum each day. Analyzing statistical data not only underscores the surge in migration numbers but also sheds light on the rapid acceleration of this phenomenon, attracting attention from international media.
Internal economic and political pressures, compounded by the specter of potential conflict, have fueled a growing exodus of Iranians seeking opportunities abroad. The Iranian Migration Observatory’s data reveals a substantial increase in asylum requests, student visas, and work permits, indicating an era of uncontrolled mass migration that is reshaping the demographics of the nation.
Further analysis from the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation highlights Iran’s unparalleled growth rate in migration to affluent member countries between 2020 and 2021. The number of Iranians migrating surged from approximately 48,000 in 2020 to 115,000 in 2021, representing a staggering 141% increase within a single year.
In parallel, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports a 44% rise in the number of Iranian refugees in 2022 compared to the previous year. Concurrently, the Iranian Migration Observatory notes an eighth consecutive year of growth in the number of Iranians working abroad, escalating from 49,000 in 2013 to 70,000 in 2021.
Referencing the results of a comprehensive study, the observatory identifies economic instability, governance challenges, a pessimistic outlook for the future, aspirations for a superior life overseas, and the pursuit of individual and social freedoms as pivotal factors steering Iranians toward immigration.
Bahram Salvati, the director of the Iranian Migration Observatory, corroborates that 80% of migrations have economic and political motivations. The past four years have seen economic problems and soaring inflation, combined with the suppression of popular protests, regional tensions, and the regime’s support of proxy groups, contribute significantly to the surge in Iranian emigration.
While European countries, Australia, Canada, and the United States have traditionally been the primary destinations for Iranian immigrants, recent years have witnessed a diversification in migration patterns. There is a notable increase in Iranians seeking opportunities in Persian Gulf countries, including Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Turkey.
An intriguing trend is the growing migration from Iran to Iraq, particularly within the oil industry sector. Iraq’s strategic efforts to attract foreign investors through diversified oil contracts and competitive wages have resulted in an influx of Iranian investors, contractors, professionals, and workers. The attractiveness of Iraq’s offers has led to the departure of foreign investors from Iran, jeopardizing the Iranian regime’s hopes of sustaining partnerships with countries like China and Russia.
While Iraq remains an attractive destination for foreign investment, reports suggest that domestic contractors and investors are also enticed by lucrative opportunities, including higher wages. This poses a significant risk to Iran’s oil industry, not only in terms of losing foreign investment but also in the depletion of its skilled workforce.
Recent months have witnessed a substantial increase in skilled and unskilled workers migrating to neighboring countries, with Iraq emerging as a prominent destination. Reports from the Iran-Iraq joint chamber indicate that skilled workers in Iraq earn around $600 per month, three to four times the salary of their counterparts in Iran. The complex economic, social, and political challenges in Iran are contributing to a scenario where various classes prefer to seek opportunities abroad.
The multifaceted reasons behind the surge in Iranian migration underscore the intricate interplay of economic, political, and social factors. As the exodus continues, it poses not only challenges to Iran’s domestic stability but also to its potential for economic growth and innovation. Addressing the root causes of migration is imperative for the sustainable development and prosperity of Iranian society.
