ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2025/1/Policy brief
Country: Arab region, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Kingdom of Bahrain, Union of the Comoros, Republic of Djibouti, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, State of Kuwait, Lebanese Republic, State of Libya, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Kingdom of Morocco, Sultanate of Oman, State of Palestine, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Republic of Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Yemen
Publication Type: Policy briefs
Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development
Focus Area: Governance & enabling environment, Future of employment, Natural resource sustainability, Population dynamics & migration, Technology & innovation
Initiatives: Job creation, Development challenges, Governance and institution building, Climate Resilience through Regional Cooperation, Strengthening transboundary risk mitigation, International migration, Digital Development
SDGs: Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Keywords: Algeria, Arab countries, Bahrain, Comoros, Demographic statistics, Development planning, Development policy, Djibouti, Domestic workers, Economic aspects, Educational policy, Egypt, Employment, Forced migration, Health services, Informal sector, Internal migration, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Labour law, Labour supply, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Migrant workers, Migration policy, Migration statistics, Morocco, Oman, Political aspects, Population dynamics, Qatar, Refugees, Remittances, Saudi arabia, Skills development, Social aspects, Social security, Somalia, State of palestine, Sudan, Sustainable development, Syrian arab republic, Technological change, Tunisia, Unemployment, United arab emirates, Yemen
Situation Report on International Migration in the Arab Region 2025 Migration-development nexus: pathways to prosperity: policy brief
April 2025
The migration-development nexus has witnessed increasing attention in recent years, both globally and regionally, reflecting the profound impact that population movements have on both countries of origin and of destination, both within and beyond the region. The 2024 edition of the Situation Report on International Migration in the Arab Region examines the critical nexus of migration and development in a region undergoing transformative demographic, economic, social and technological shifts. It offers an analysis of migration trends, challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the dual role of migration as both a driver and a product of development.
Key insights highlight the potential of migration to contribute positively to host societies and countries of origin. Migrants bring valuable skills, knowledge and cultural diversity, while remittances support families, reduce poverty, and spur economic growth. However, achieving these outcomes requires policies that safeguard migrants’ rights and maximize their contributions to development. Regional cooperation is also essential, as the interconnected nature of Arab countries means migration policies in one country can significantly affect neighbouring nations. The present report provides a road map to harness migration’s potential, while addressing its challenges. By adopting a holistic and forward-looking approach, the Arab region can position migration as a source of strength, resilience and shared prosperity.
Related content
Governance & enabling environment
, Future of employment
, Natural resource sustainability
, Population dynamics & migration
, Technology & innovation
,
The migration-development nexus has witnessed increasing attention in recent years, both globally and regionally, reflecting the profound impact that population movements have on both countries of origin and of destination, both within and beyond the region. The 2024 edition of the Situation Report on International Migration in the Arab Region examines the critical nexus of migration and development in a region undergoing transformative demographic, economic, social and technological shifts. It offers an analysis of migration trends, challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the dual role of migration as both a driver and a product of development.
Key insights highlight the potential of migration to contribute positively to host societies and countries of origin. Migrants bring valuable skills, knowledge and cultural diversity, while remittances support families, reduce poverty, and spur economic growth. However, achieving these outcomes requires policies that safeguard migrants’ rights and maximize their contributions to development. Regional cooperation is also essential, as the interconnected nature of Arab countries means migration policies in one country can significantly affect neighbouring nations. The present report provides a road map to harness migration’s potential, while addressing its challenges. By adopting a holistic and forward-looking approach, the Arab region can position migration as a source of strength, resilience and shared prosperity.
