A Study on the Dynamics of the Egyptian Diaspora: Strengthening Development Linkages
- Document number
- 2418
- Date
- 2010
- Title
- A Study on the Dynamics of the Egyptian Diaspora: Strengthening Development Linkages
- Author/publisher
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- Availability
- LSI library
- Document type(s)
- Research/Study/Analysis,
- Keywords
- Irregular Migration, Feminization of migration, Economic migration, Labour migration, Free movement, Undocumented migrants; Undocumented labour; Migrant rights; Migration management; Comprehensive approach to migration; Migration policy; Violence, Human rights violation, Crime against humanity, War crime, Armed conflict, Post-conflict situation, Terrorism,
- Summary
- The reports highlight the positive economic impact on the country of the almost 2.7 million Egyptian migrants abroad, 70% of which reside in Arab countries and 30% in Europe and North America. Egypt is now the biggest recipient of remittances in the Middle East with an estimated US$ 7.8 billion sent in 2009 (representing approximately 5% of the national GDP). The reports also underline that approximately 80% of remittances are channelled towards consumption of goods and services and meeting daily expenses, and 20% goes towards different forms of investment, with real estate being the most common activity (39%) followed by the establishment of small and medium sized businesses (22% and 6% respectively).
Migrant families that chose not to use remittances for productive investments explained that the venture climate in Egypt is deemed too risky. However it is noted that a large number of these households are faced with a lack of access to information on different investment opportunities and steps to take when establishing a business.The studies can be accessed online at: www.egypt.iom.int/publications.htm - Related documents