Middle East

The Middle East is simultaneously a place of origin, transit, and destination for people on the move. Millions of migrants and refugees move within and beyond the region, driven by conflict, insecurity, and economic decline. They often face restricted access to rights and protection in contexts marked by protracted crises and weak governance. Those who are denied legal status are commonly excluded from essential services such as healthcare and education, and live under the constant threat of detention or deportation.

The Gulf states host millions of low-wage migrant workers – mainly from Africa and Asia – under restrictive labour regimes that expose many to severe exploitation.  Intraregional mobility, particularly between Lebanon, Türkiye, and Syria, remains significant. In Syria, many are returning from neighbouring countries despite widespread destruction, economic collapse, and ongoing insecurity. Irregular movement towards Europe persists, shaped by tighter border controls, limited legal migration pathways, and shifting smuggling networks.

Climate change is emerging as a compounding driver of mobility, intensifying vulnerabilities linked to water scarcity, livelihood loss, and environmental degradation in already fragile areas such as southern Iraq and Yemen.  These pressures, combined with economic dependency on remittances and limited social protection, continue to shape the region’s deeply interdependent mobility system, one defined by both resilience and risk.

MMC engages in data collection, research, analysis and policy development on mixed migration in the Middle East. Since 2024 MMC has conducted research in Syria, Türkiye, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Egypt.  

Through our flagship 4Mi data collection and research, we gather firsthand insights from people on the move, their reasons for migrating, the risks they face, and their experiences across origin, transit, and destination. Combining large-scale surveys with qualitative research, we explore themes such as climate-related mobility, migration governance, and return and reintegration.

Beyond research, MMC actively contributes to dialogue on mixed migration in the Middle East. We share data-driven briefings with key stakeholders and take part in regional workshops, expert consultations, and global forums to ensure that the voices and experiences of people on the move inform policy and practice.From 2016 to mid-2020, MMC operated a dedicated regional analytical hub, previously known as the Mixed Migration Platform. MMC re-established its presence in the region in 2023. Moreover, the MMC hub in Nairobi covers the Eastern Route from Djibouti and Somalia to Yemen and onwards to countries in the Arabian Peninsula, while the MMC Hub is Asia has covered movements to and through Türkiye  since 2021.

MMC’s work in Middle East is made possible through the generous support and close cooperation with various partners