Psychological and Social Factors Driving Yemeni Youth to Emigration

Alia Mohammed – Sawt Al-Amal (Voice of Hope)

Yemeni youth emigration is one of the most complex issues in recent years, with a growing number of young people choosing to leave in search of a better life. Many factors have made emigration seem like the only hope and the best path for many young people.

Yemeni youth emigration is influenced by various psychological and social factors, in addition to economic and political ones. Among the most prominent psychological and social factors is the widespread despair among Yemeni youth due to the continuous deterioration of the country’s economic, social, and political situation. The inability to achieve their aspirations or secure a decent life breeds feelings of hopelessness, pushing them to seek an escape abroad.

Ongoing conflicts and insecurity expose individuals to daily risks, creating constant anxiety and stress. Emigration offers a chance to escape these fears and find a more stable and psychologically safer environment.

Pressures imposed by Yemeni society, particularly concerning material and social expectations—such as marriage, starting a family, and meeting certain success standards—can also drive young people to emigrate in search of a less stressful and more liberating life.

Economic and Social Reasons

Emigration is affected by several economic, social, and political factors. Since the start of the conflict, Yemen has faced successive humanitarian crises due to economic deterioration, the collapse of government institutions and sectors, and the decline in health and education services. As a result, Yemeni youth have lost the environment needed to achieve their dreams and aspirations at home, and the search for safer and more stable environments has become the sole goal to improve their situation and ensure their success.

Journalist Khalil Al-Kumaim believes that emigration has become a preoccupation for most Yemeni youth, especially millennials, who see the country as adrift and believe they have no future there compared to previous generations.

He adds: “The main reasons pushing young people to emigrate are the search for a better life and job opportunities that allow them to build their futures, especially given the progress they see among young people in neighboring and other countries.”

He says, “We’re looking at ambitious Yemeni youth, but they’re facing a harsh and disastrous reality in various fields, leading to despair due to the country’s economic situation and the lack of institutions that can absorb their skills and qualifications through training, empowerment, and employment. This is what made them choose emigration as a refuge.”

In this context, journalist Aqim Al-Khadhmi explained that the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the deteriorating economic conditions are among the most significant drivers of youth emigration. Many Yemeni youth feel that their chances of improving their lives in Yemen are almost nonexistent, pushing them to seek better living conditions in other countries.

He added: “There’s a widespread belief that the situation abroad is better, although Yemeni emigrants face very difficult circumstances due to language barriers, cultural integration challenges, and a lack of skills needed by the job market. Nevertheless, they continue to overcome these challenges.”

On the other hand, Isa Al-Qudsi, a Yemeni student abroad, says, “Yemenis throughout history have been known as a migratory people, loving travel and adventure, and not settling in one place for long.”

He stressed that emigration is part of Yemeni cultural heritage and ingrained in the genes of citizens who love travel and adventure, a passion often passed down from generation to generation, depending on circumstances, along with a desire to experience adventures and discover new things.

He continues, “In recent times, Yemen has suffered difficulties and challenges that were enough to drive Yemeni youth to emigrate abroad.”

Psychological Factors

The psychological pressure on young Yemenis due to economic hardship and lack of job opportunities is a major driver of emigration. This creates feelings of despair, hopelessness, insecurity, and instability. These factors intertwine, making emigration an attractive option for those seeking to escape and build better lives.

Therapist Munira Al-Namir confirms that psychological pressures like anxiety, depression, emotional instability, and hopes for a fresh start and a brighter future are key motivators for youth emigration.

She points out that the economic downturn and political instability caused by the conflict have severely impacted Yemeni youth, pushing them to emigrate in search of work, better financial situations, and improved living standards to support their families and begin anew.

Al-Namir also notes that some young people desire independence from family and societal pressures, while others experience anxiety, insecurity, and the pressure of aging without accomplishments or a family.

She adds, “Young people face immense social pressure, like societal expectations and comparisons between those who’ve succeeded abroad and those still at home. This can lead to isolation and inability to cope.”

She also emphasizes that for some, the main motivation is the curiosity to explore new places and cultures, a passion for new experiences, and a desire to discover a different life away from oppressive circumstances.

Challenges and Difficulties

Even though young Yemenis see emigration as a lifeline, a way out of their harsh reality and into something better, it can be fraught with danger.

Regarding the challenges faced during or after emigration, journalist Khalil Al-Kumaim says, “The risk of death while crossing into European countries is the greatest danger. Many stories exist, yet they still risk it. Deportation is another major problem, affecting many who successfully reached their destination.”

Asim Al-Khadhmi points to challenges in host countries such as difficulties with cultural integration, language barriers, and poor communication skills. These obstacles significantly hinder employment prospects, pushing many migrants toward the black market.

He adds, “Challenges extend to refugees who can’t work officially to avoid losing aid from organizations or the host government, which often isn’t enough to meet their needs.”

Isa stresses the importance of careful planning and assessment of opportunities before emigrating, highlighting the challenges Yemenis face, especially with entry restrictions in many countries, particularly for unmarried young men, due to security and illegal immigration concerns.

He explains that Yemeni passports create difficulties in many countries, so those wishing to emigrate should ensure visa eligibility before making the move.

He adds, “Many emigrants face financial challenges due to the high cost of living compared to their home country. Obtaining visas and residency permits is also a challenge; some get renewed, others return home, some flee to other countries, and many abandon their ideals to seek asylum.”

He also notes that many Yemeni emigrants struggle to find work due to weak educational qualifications; the Yemeni education system doesn’t compete with that of Europe or other Arab countries.

He supports studying abroad but advocates returning home to contribute to development, asking, “If all the young talent leaves, who will develop Yemen?”

Solutions and Remedies

No doubt, young Yemenis leaving the country is a complex issue that needs serious attention and a combined effort from the government and society. We need to tackle the root causes of this migration by creating programs and strategies that improve the economy and provide a safe, stable environment for young people, securing a better future for them and their country.

On top of that, the relevant authorities should offer financial support to young people who want to start their businesses. Education needs a boost too, with workshops and programs teaching skills that match the job market. This will help ease the psychological and social pressures they face because of the conflict.