Migration potential from Iran: A cluster analysis of the main departure drivers

Exploring the reasons behind people’s migration decisions has always been a core topic of migration studies. However, there is little scientific information on Iranian citizens’ migration plans; therefore, this study aims to fill this research gap. Our goal is to explore the main factors that push people to leave Iran, their reasons for seeking a new life abroad, their anticipations about their journey from Iran to the destination countries, and expectation of life outside Iran. We focused our attention on potential migrants relying on a convenience sample of Iranian citizens (n = 1006) who filled the online survey that was spread on Telegram channels and X application in Iran. We found that the main push factors are economic issues, lack of social freedom, and lack of job security. When it comes to choosing the destination country, good living conditions, availability of job opportunities, and economic security were identified as the main factors. Financial issues, emotional problems, and language barriers were the most often chosen challenges concerning the journey from Iran to the destination countries. As far as their main anticipations are concerned, providing a better life for their families and children, having freedom, and finding a better job chosen by participants.