4 Facts

The number of people worldwide living outside their countries of origin is at a historical high. The drivers for migration are many and varied. Forced migration can be caused by traumatic events, such as conflict and climate change. Voluntary migration can enable people to seize new work and study opportunities, helping them to fulfil their aspirations. Whatever the reason, the skills and knowledge that migrants have can make a huge and positive impact on communities and economies.

Take a look at the 4 facts as we shine the spotlight on migration and what it means to some of our partner countries and regions.

DARYA, the EU’s new regional project in Central Asia, focuses on skills development for young people and is aimed at strengthening local labour markets. Given that rates of migration among young adults are significant in the region, for example more than 20% in Kyrgyzstan (2021), it is hoped that the project could help reduce the number of people having to migrate to find decent work.

According to the research network Arab Barometer, 48% of Lebanese citizens are seeking to leave their homeland for better opportunities abroad, with corruption, security and political instability cited as the main reasons (April 2022).

Since Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine in February 2022, Europe has received the largest number of people fleeing war since World War II. As of 18 November 2022, there are 7.84m Ukrainian people who have migrated to neighbouring countries

In Albania, the highly educated account for almost 40% of emigrants (2012–19), hence the very significant problem of ‘brain drain’ in the country.