The Arab region stands today at a critical juncture where the dynamics of migration intersect with the imperatives of development, creating both challenges and opportunities that demand urgent and thoughtful policy responses, according to a recent report issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA),
The report comes at a time when the region is undergoing significant demographic, economic, social and technological transformations. It provides a comprehensive analysis of current trends, challenges and opportunities associated with migration, and offers insights into how development can shape and be shaped by migration.
One of the key messages of the report is the need to view migration not as a challenge, but as an opportunity for development. Migrants bring skills, knowledge and cultural diversity that enrich host societies. Remittances sent by migrants support millions of families in their countries of origin, contributing to poverty reduction and economic growth. The report also underscores the need for policies that ensure the protection and well-being of migrants, and amplify their contribution to development.
The report highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing migration and development challenges. The interconnectedness of the Arab region means that the actions of one country can have significant implications for its neighbors.
By working together, Arab States can develop more effective and coherent migration policies that benefit the whole region.
The report mentioned that in 2024, the Arab region was home to 44.5 million migrants and refugees. Around 37.2 million of these came from other Arab countries. They comprised 9 per cent of the total population in the Arab region in 2024. It also found that the Arab region is a major source of remittance outflows, contributing 20.2 per cent to the global total, and is reliant on remittance inflows representing 7 per cent of the global share.
In addition, the report found that the Arab region suffers from significant internal displacement, with 28 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in 2023.
In conclusion, the report suggested that migration is not just a movement of people; it is a transformative force that reshapes societies, economies and cultures. In the future, migration will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the Arab region.