Youth Migration Gains and Losses

A Critical Analysis of Economic Perspectives in the Case of the Raparin Administration in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract

Migration has long been at the forefront of global political discussion. In the Middle East, where the migration phenomenon is more prominent, younger migrants are driven away by factors such as poor basic services, lower quality of life, and limited job opportunities; at the same time, they are attracted by Europe’s better economic opportunities and quality of life, the possibility of sending remittances to families back home, and being able to build a better future. Although many attempt to migrate legally, this is often impossible and so migrants resort to irregular means. Migration has thus become a serious challenge for many families in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). In light of this issue, the study’s focus was on irregular migration in the Raparin Administration, an independent administration in the KRI. We examined the drivers of irregular youth migration and investigated the push and pull factors underlying the alarming rise in illegal migration through dangerous routes to Europe. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach. In addition to desk research and key informant interviews with families in the Raparin Administration, we conducted surveys in selected districts there, where most families have at least one member who has sought refuge in Europe over the last decade.

The findings show that many from the Raparin Administration migrated for better life opportunities and to secure a more promising future for themselves and their families. Many young university graduates aimed to find good jobs so that they could send remittances to their families in the country of origin, thus substantially improving their families’ circumstances. We also found that, since 2003, economic drivers in Iraq have become more influential compared to other migratory waves. Moreover, while wealthier young persons were more likely to migrate using regular channels, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as is typical in the Raparin Administration, were more likely to consider irregular and dangerous routes. Financing youth migration was also a core concern for families, who supported both the decision to migrate and its requisite costs.