Examining the Nexus among Migration and Poverty in Terms of Economic Development: An Empirical Investigation from Middle East Countries within The Perspective of International Relations

Abstract

The major goal of this study is to ascertain the relationship between migration, poverty and economic development for Middle East countries by performing FMOLS, DOLS, CCR and Multivariate Regression Analyses (MRA) from 1985 to 2018. In this context, according to the results of FMOLS, DOLS, CCR analyses there is a long-term relationship between poverty and economic development, and there is no empirical relationship between economic development and migration. Furthermore, the MRA analysis demonstrates that poverty influences the economic development negatively, but migration does not affect the dependent variable. The results of all analyzes are consistent with each other as empirically. As a result of these findings, some recommendations are given to the policy makers and officials of the Middle East countries from the perspective of international relations in order to minimize migration and poverty problems. In summary, considering these recommendations international migration involves the characteristics of migrant labor, brain drains and human capital imports for Middle East countries. With well-managed migration policies, the migrant workforce is a driving force in the sustainable development and inclusive growth of countries. Otherwise, inconsistent migration policies which are far from an appropriate migration governance strategy cause sustainable development goals to turn into unsustainable goals.