Operations and Policy Center (OPC): Most Syrians wish to emigrate outside the country

The “Operations and Policy Center ” (OPC) conducted a survey on the motives for the voluntary migration of some Syrian residents out of Syria, and the factors that enhance the tendency to migrate, in light of the difficult economic conditions in the country.

The study showed that the vast majority of the participants expressed their desire to emigrate outside Syria, where the percentage of those wishing to leave was 63%, while those who did not have the drive to emigrate were 36.5%.

The study showed that escaping from the difficult living conditions inside Syria is the main reason for thinking about immigration, in addition to the reasons for the deterioration of the Syrian economy, the increase in internal conflicts within the circle of supporters of the Assad regime, and the acceleration of economic sanctions against the Assad regime.

The Study indicated that the lack of financial ability to bear the expenses of immigration is the most influential factor in preventing immigration, noting that “the lack of financial resources is a cause of motivation and an obstacle to migration at the same time.”

Among the other factors that push individuals to migrate, are the search for better job and education opportunities, reunification and joining of family members outside Syria, and the avoidance of compulsory military service, and the phrase “tired of living in Syria” was a motivation for some respondents to study, according to the Center for Policy and Operations Research.”

The study indicated that the motives leading to adherence to staying in Syria are family and social ties, explaining that the absence of the motive for staying for the sake of the family and the local community depends on the family’s own decision to leave Syria, and the possibility of the disintegration of the community itself.

According to the study, Western countries are the preferred destination for the majority of those wishing to immigrate, and the matter is related to the rights that these countries grant to refugees on their lands in terms of legal status, living and future prospects.

It pointed out that those wishing to immigrate to the Arab Gulf states or the countries of neighboring Syria, they are often looking for job opportunities that enable them to save to improve their living conditions, and then return to Syria.

Syria suffers from harsh economic conditions after the United States lifted economic sanctions against the Assad regime and its supporters under the Caesar Act, which in turn greatly limited the dealings between the Assad regime and any country from several aspects, including the commercial one.