Charting Pathways: Navigating migration prospects among youth in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

Iraq, a country known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, has faced significant challenges, including political instability, armed conflict, and economic hardships. Its socio-political landscape has influenced its migration patterns, especially from the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI). The KRI is an autonomous territory characterised by its distinct ethnic composition (6.2 million individuals, 80% of whom are Kurds) and political status. Developed in the context of a prolonged armed resistance to the Iraqi Federal government, it was officially formed in 1991 and recognised as a federal entity within Iraq under Article 113 of the 2005 Constitution. The region has enjoyed a period of relative stability, solidifying its political and economic autonomy under the guidance of the international community.

The region has also been a destination for refugees from Mosul and Kirkuk to seek a safe haven, including Kurds, Christians, and Arabs. For instance, in Dohuk, Arabs constitute a significant portion of the population, while Christians who fled Mosul and resettled in Ain Kawa district express reluctance to return to their former governorates. In recent years, the KRI has experienced significant social changes, transitioning into a more urban and developed society. This shift has had notable political implications, influencing the process of social organisation. This policy brief provides insight into the Kurdish population within the “MIRAMI Survey” sample, examining their migration intentions, aspirations, and need for information.

In doing so, it aims at:

1. providing tailored policy recommendations to address such needs;
2. enhancing the work of the MRCs with the upcoming expansion into Erbil and Sulaymaniyah;
3. promoting the capacity building of local stakeholders and government institutions in addressing overall migration issues and supporting reintegration processes more specifically.

The policy brief draws from the findings of the “MIRAMI survey”, which included 1,024 respondents, 618 of whom identify as Kurdish, encompassing both Muslim Kurds and Yazidis.