Why Do Middle Eastern Refugees Prefer Not To Move To Other Arabian Nations?

Refugees are often depicted as nomadic individuals, always seeking new territories where they can find safety and a better quality of life. However, the reality surrounding Middle Eastern refugees, particularly Palestinian refugees, often presents a different narrative. Despite the abundance of nearby countries, these refugees primarily reside in nations they perceive as stagnant or deficient compared to their preferred destinations. Why do these refugees choose to remain in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, as opposed to exploring other 'nicer' regions in the Middle East?

Age and Comfort in Current Residences

One significant factor is the age and life stage of the refugees themselves. According to the data, many of these individuals are over 75 years old, and often, the thought of relocating to an unfamiliar environment at such an advanced age is daunting. The substantial age group of the Palestinian refugees, most of whom were born into a stateless situation, have spent a large portion of their lives in refugee camps or neighboring countries and are more comfortable living in their current settings. This resistance to move is not about a lack of desire for change, but rather a natural inclination towards the familiar and the known.

Religious and Cultural Preferences

Another dimension of the issue lies in the cultural and religious dynamics that influence these choices. Many refugees adhere to Islam and believe that they should only consider moving to another Muslim-majority country, thereby avoiding the imposition of their religious and cultural identity on countries that may not welcome such changes. This preference for 'brother-muslim' countries indicates a deeper-rooted cultural and religious identity that is hard to abandon.

Historical and Political Context

The region's history of conflict and political turmoil plays a significant role in these choices. Since 1948, Palestinians have resided in neighboring countries and have never been recognized as citizens by Israel. These countries, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq, have become homes for these refugees. Staying in these countries is seen as a form of resistance against their displacement, rather than an act of impatience or dissatisfaction.

Global Displacement and Gulf States

However, it would be misleading to conclude that refugees do not consider 'nicer' places in the Gulf States, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. These countries are often perceived as rich and developed, offering potentially better living conditions. Yet, the realities on the ground are quite different.

During my time as an expatriate in these nations, I observed a detailed strategy employed by local governments to ensure the balance of nationalities among the foreign labor force. These governments are wary of the dominance of any one nationality, a concern that would undoubtedly be exacerbated by a massive influx of Palestinian refugees. The already existing issue of balancing the foreign workforce means that the Gulf States would likely be hesitant to take in more refugees, fearing social instability and economic shifts.

Take Jordan as a case study. With a population of approximately 10.2 million, Jordan hosts 1.3 million Palestinian refugees, a number that amounts to over 10% of the country's total population. In comparison, Iraq and Lebanon also face significant refugee populations. Lebanon, a small country with a population of about 6.8 million, hosts approximately 1.7 million refugees. These statistics underscore the strain on these countries' resources and infrastructure.

Lebanon and Jordan's instances of hosting large refugee populations highlight the challenges these countries face. The sheer number of refugees in these nations, combined with limited space and resources, makes it difficult for them to consider further accommodating more refugees. Even wealthy Arab Gulf States, though technically more 'rich' and developed, face their own set of challenges in terms of attracting and retaining a diverse workforce.

Conclusion

The decision of Middle Eastern refugees, particularly Palestinians, to remain in existing regional habitats is often a complex interplay of personal comfort, cultural identity, and the socio-political context. While the allure of potentially 'nicer' places in the Gulf States exists, the practical and political realities of these destinations may prove to be even more challenging. Understanding the nuanced factors behind these choices is essential for developing effective policies and solutions for refugee relief and resettlement.