The voice of irregular migrants: A mixed-method study exploring the migration process of Iranian asylum seekers to Europe

Gholampour, Faranak and Simonovits, Bori (2024) The voice of irregular migrants: A mixed-method study exploring the migration process of Iranian asylum seekers to Europe. INTERSECTIONS: EAST EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIETY AND POLITICS, 10 (1). pp. 53-79. ISSN 2416-089X

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Abstract

After nearly four decades of irregular movement of Iranian nationals worldwide, we have much to learn about their motivations for leaving Iran and choosing their destination countries. This paper investigates the main factors that influenced Iranian refugees to leave Iran in an irregular way. Our quantitative survey was conducted online, relying on a convenience sample of Iranian refugees (n=241) who filled out the survey, which was spread on social media applications. We found that the main factors pushing people to leave Iran were related to the lack of social freedom (81 percent), economic issues (76 percent), and to the lack of job security (71 percent). Likewise, secure economic conditions (81 percent), social freedom (76 percent), and availability of job opportunities (70 percent) were the main factors that pulled people to their destination countries. We found that participants have effectively adapted to the healthcare system, language, and weather of destination countries, and they expect to have freedom in Europe, as well as improve the quality of life for their loved ones and offspring.

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