Almost Half Of Arab Youths Considering Emigration – Survey
–Dubai, US, Canada, Most-Preferred Places
Latest survey shows that millions of young Arabs want to leave their countries because of political instability or failure of government as well as the ravaging impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The finding (which evaluated the perceptions of about 200 million Arab youths) was contained in the 2020 Annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, seen by our correspondent.
According to ASDA’A BCW (a leading Middle-East Public Relations Firm in Dubai), it has among other things, “presented evidence-based insights into the hopes, aspirations and attitudes of Arab youth, providing public and private sector organisations with data and analysis to make informed decisions and policies.”
In its report, it stressed that the rift between neighbouring Arab countries was of great concern to the region’s young population.
“Nearly half of young Arabs have considered leaving their country; one-third are more likely to emigrate due to COVID-19.
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“Hopeful for change, young Arabs in strife-hit nations support anti-government protests and COVID-19 could lead to more political unrest.
“Tackling government corruption is a top priority for Arab youth; majority say corruption still present despite the pandemic.
“The number of young Arabs in personal debt is rising, and household debt has increased since the pandemic,” it stated.
Furthermore, it observed that the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Canada were the most preferred places to live in in the world.
“MODEL NATIONS:For the ninth year running, the UAE remains the top country to live in and emulate,” the report stated.
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In his reaction on Tuesday, the Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was of the view that the survey suggested a clarion call for the leaders in the region to take responsibility and change the narrative.
He stressed that such a brain-drain (of youths leaving) would amount to colossal losses for the region.
Meanwhile, he assured that the UAE government would continue to make the country’s living standard favourable for all.
“The most recent and largest study of Arab youth in 17 Arab countries in favour of Echoes of BCW showed that almost half of the Arab youth are thinking of emigrating from their country.. It is painful that half of our Arab wealth wants to emigrate… It is painful when the Arab youth does not find a homeland, safety and livelihood in his homeland.
“The poll also indicated that the UAE is the preferred country to live in for 46% of Arab youth, followed by the United States, 33%, then Canada, Britain and Germany … and we say to them: the UAE is everyone’s country .. and we have tried to build a successful model… and our experience and our doors and books will remain open to all..
“The poll also indicated that 77% of Arab youths believe that government corruption exists in their countries … and 87% of them are concerned about unemployment in their countries.. and we say that if governments corrupt… the country is ruined and its security diminished.. and its people left it.. and every official will be responsible before God. The story does not end here,” he tweeted on Tuesday.
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