Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Master's Student in Theoretical Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
2
Assistant Professor of Economics, Faculty of Economics & Management, Urmia University
3
Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
10.48308/jem.2025.239507.1986
Abstract
Cross-border migration is one of the most significant consequences of economic inequality and poor governance in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East region. This study aims to analyze the simultaneous impact of economic and institutional variables on migration, focusing on the effects of unemployment rate, per capita income growth, exchange rate, political stability, and control of corruption across six selected Middle Eastern countries: Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Pakistan, and Egypt over the period 1974–2023. Utilizing panel data and applying a fixed effects model, the findings reveal that high unemployment and exchange rate volatility are key drivers of migration, while improvements in per capita income, political stability, and control of corruption have a statistically significant deterrent effect. Results show that unemployment and exchange rate volatility drive migration, while income growth, political stability, and corruption control reduce it. Policy recommendations include labor market reform, macroeconomic stabilization, and institutional improvements. The study's novelty lies in its long-term comparative analysis and emphasis on institutional variables alongside economic ones.
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