Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Hassan Rouhani's government, announced at a scientific meeting that the people's desire to emigrate has reached 60 percent. This statistic rises to 67 percent among students. These figures reflect a bitter reality in Iranian society, where economic and social crises have led more individuals to consider leaving the country.
Changes in the Migration Pattern of Iranians
Migration advertisements are clearly visible in various parts of the country these days. From ads on social media to various announcements throughout the city, all indicate that "leaving" has become a serious concern. According to a study titled "Iranian Migration Report: Causes and Motivations" conducted in 2023, only 16 percent of respondents did not mention thoughts of emigration. Meanwhile, in recent years, especially after the war and economic hardships, the issue of migration has resurfaced strongly.
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Factors Influencing the Desire to Emigrate
According to reports, war and unfavorable economic conditions are among the factors influencing the decision to emigrate. In 2024, statistics show that the number of Iranian migrants has reached 1,870,000, which is double the number of migrants compared to 30 years ago. In this context, reports indicate that about 45 percent of individuals under 29 years old and 55 percent of those with university education have a desire to emigrate. Furthermore, the further one moves from Tehran to rural areas, the less the desire to emigrate becomes.
Mahmoud Moshfegh, an associate professor in the Department of Demography at Allameh Tabatabai University, believes that the issue of migration is a multifactorial phenomenon and does not solely depend on the difficulties of internal conditions. On the other hand, Bahram Salavati, a migration researcher, believes that the main migration pattern in Iran is shaped by push factors, meaning it is primarily based on internal repulsive factors.
This situation indicates a change in the migration pattern. In the past, migration was limited to specific social groups, but it has now become a broader phenomenon. Moshfegh also emphasizes that the desire to emigrate may arise due to poor economic conditions, but as long as individuals cannot afford the costs of emigration, they will not be able to take action to migrate.
Recent surveys in European countries also indicate that nearly half of the residents of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK expect to experience living in another country in the not-so-distant future. This point shows that the crisis of living costs and dissatisfaction with economic conditions is also considered a primary reason for the inclination to emigrate among these countries.
Overall, these days, the decision to emigrate is no longer just a choice; for many individuals, it has become a necessity. Given the economic and social challenges that Iranian society faces, this desire to emigrate may soon become a normal trend.
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