Immigration of the Iranian students and elite has accelerated significantly as a consequence of economic crises, sanctions, and unfavorable social and welfare conditions over the past decades. In recent years, however, not only the elite but also people from all other social classes and even startups have opted for leaving the country, Afshin Kolahi, a senior member of Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture said in a write-up published in the chamber’s news outlet. Below is a translation of the text.
Acceptable rules and regulations aimed at supporting innovation economy and knowledge-based companies are in place and promulgated, which experts believe will go a long way if properly implemented. But sadly, the economic climate and business environment of the country affected by the overall policies of the government in different areas such as security, international relations and other economic sectors and even cultural and social policies incongruous with the living pattern of the majority of the middle class have dealt a heavy blow to the society, prodding more people into leaving the country.
According to the International Organization for Migration, up to 2.8 million Iranians immigrated in 2022, i.e., 3.3% of the total population. Immigration happens in all societies but when it comes to the immigration of the elite it becomes more controversial.
The latest research conducted by Iran Migration Observatory of Sharif University Policy Research Institute in May 2022 said the migration of employees in different business sectors is one of the most important issues that public, private and semi-private organizations are faced with. More than 6,000 economic players have participated in this study, 77% of whom said they have a high or very high desire to migrate.
Despite the fact that the decision to migrate was more popular with employees and middle managers than senior managers, the percentage of people who had planned and carried out their plans to some extent was higher among people holding high organizational positions. Moreover, planning and taking practical action have been more prevalent among private and semi-private economic players and residents of Tehran.
Note that in general, the state of immigration does not differ much among social classes, indicating that the eagerness for immigration is widespread among all social groups and the country is entering the so-called phase of mass migration.
The devaluation of the national currency, inflation and economic conditions, worries regarding the future of their children, governance, political approaches and sanctions are among the main factors people name as reasons for migration.
The above-mentioned statistics were gathered in the month ending May 21, 2022, i.e., when the country had not seen the widespread internet outages and filtering policies in the current form. Following the recent disruptions in the Internet that ensued protests, businesses have suffered a fatal blow and startups are even more inclined to migrate than before, such that the migration of the elite, especially those active in online business and virtual space, has become alarming.
Any policy that is designed to help tackle the crisis brings about costs but the key point is that if we fail to provide favorable conditions to safeguard the country’s specialized labor force and this trend of migration persists, the most vital capital of the country i.e. specialized human resources will be looted and the hope for the future will be dashed.
