Over 50% of young Arabs in North Africa and the Levant have expressed a strong desire to leave their countries in search of better opportunities. According to the 15th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, the primary motivation for emigration among young men and women in these regions is the hope of finding employment abroad.
The survey reveals that 53% of young Arabs in the Levant and 48% in North Africa are actively trying to leave or considering leaving their countries. However, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, only 27% of youth have contemplated emigration, with a majority stating that they would never leave their home country.
When asked about their preferred destinations, young Arabs overwhelmingly expressed a desire to emigrate to Canada, with 34% of respondents selecting it as their top choice. The United States followed closely behind at 30%, with Germany and the UK tying at 20%, and France rounding out the top five at 17%.
The desire to emigrate aligns with the growing concerns about the economic outlook in many Arab nations. Approximately 72% of young Arabs in the Levant and 62% in North Africa believe their national economies are heading in the wrong direction. In contrast, 88% of youth in the GCC states remain optimistic about their country’s economic prospects.
With youth unemployment rates exceeding 25% in the Middle East and North Africa, it comes as no surprise that finding employment is a top priority for young Arabs considering emigration. Almost half (49%) of those contemplating leaving their country cite job opportunities as the main reason.
However, it’s not solely about employment for the GCC youth who have considered emigration. A quarter (25%) of them mentioned wanting to experience something new, compared to 13% in North Africa and 11% in the Levant.
Despite concerns about their national economies, Arab youth remain hopeful about their future. A majority (69%) believe that their best days are ahead of them, representing a 5% increase from the previous year. The most optimistic youth are in the GCC, with 85% expressing hope for a better life. The figures in North Africa and the Levant are 64% and 60%, respectively.
Compared to four years ago, optimism among young Arabs in the region is at its highest, with 57% believing they will have a better life than their parents. The highest levels of positivity come from the GCC youth (75%), followed by youth in the Levant (52%) and North Africa (50%).
When asked about their aspirations for the next 10 years, Arab youth prioritize starting a career (18%), followed closely by completing their education (17%). Pursuing personal interests and passions ranked third at 15%.
The survey also found that the majority of young Arabs (85%) believe that Arab countries should uphold universal values such as freedom, equality, and respect for human rights. This sentiment was shared by 91% of respondents in North Africa and 81% each in the GCC and the Levant.
According to Sunil John, President of MENA at BCW and Founder of ASDA’A BCW, the increasing number of Arab youth seeking opportunities abroad reflects their disappointment in the lack of prospects and their eagerness to shape their own destinies. However, John notes that youth emigration is a significant drain on the Arab world’s economy, and efforts should be made to create a conducive environment for young people to thrive.
ASDA’A BCW’s Arab Youth Survey, conducted in collaboration with SixthFactor Consulting, interviewed 3,600 Arab citizens aged 18 to 24 in their respective countries. The comprehensive study explores the hopes, fears, and aspirations of the Arab region’s over 200 million youth.
