Iran Migration Observatory

Iran Migration Observatory (IMObs) is the first Iranian research in Migration data analysis. The institute was established in 2018 under the Sharif University Policy Research Institute to provide up-to-date and reliable data and analysis on various types of migration, collaborating with the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology. Student Mobility, Labour Migration, Economic Migration, Climatic & Inland Migration and Migration Governance are the research groups within the IMObs that operate under Dr. Bahram Salavati, a senior researcher in migration.

The most crucial purpose of the IMObs is to monitor migration data using scientific evidence, evaluate the policies of other countries, and collect and produce data (using library and polling methods). IMObs seeks to provide clear, accurate and scientific information, inform the general public about the country's migration data, and provide sound policy recommendations to the policymaker to improve the situation in the country.

Why the IMObs?

Migration is a multifaceted phenomenon with different economic and social dimensions. The impact of various factors on this phenomenon can be understood by extracting data and having a regular annual picture of migration trends. For example, a review of migration trends over the past few years indicates that with the passage of the joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015 and the creation of an atmosphere of social hope and economic openness in the country, we witnessed a decline in international migration abroad and an intensification of professionals returning home. However, after the return of sanctions, the desire for migration has increased.

Therefore, having an accurate statistical picture of migration helps to discover the real reasons and roots. Therefore, to monitor and provide migration information, the Iran Migration Observatory seeks to provide precise data for the country's effective governance and policy decisions and the awareness of Iranian citizens. In addition to analytical notes and specialized case reports from the IMObs, the Iran Migration Outlook is one of the achievements in presenting statistical trends and immigration challenges in various fields, including international student mobility, labour and economic migration, asylum and forced migration.

IMObs at a Glance

Iran Migration Observatory is a research institution in Sharif University Policy Research Institute, which was established to monitor, and analyze the situation of migration to/from Iran. The working groups define continuous and accurate monitoring of labour and economic migration, Academic and student mobility, asylum and forced migration. In addition, the social status of society's desire to migrate among different social groups and its reasons are examining the form of limited or extensive periodic surveys.