Iran’s brain drain is happening at an alarming rate

The country’s loss of human capital underscores systemic problems

By Bahram Salavati

The writer is the former head of the Iran Migration Observatory

The number of Iranian students abroad reached record highs in 2024, signalling an unprecedented wave of emigration that is steadily depleting the country’s human capital. This exodus highlights a critical challenge for Iran: the loss of its educational elite and skilled professionals at a time when development hinges on retaining and nurturing talent. The departures are a symptom of deeper, systemic issues plaguing the nation.

The root causes of this trend are as complex as they are interrelated. Economic hardship, exacerbated by years of sanctions, has created a bleak financial landscape. High inflation, a devalued currency and diminished job prospects have left young Iranians disillusioned about their future. This is compounded by social frustrations and political instability, including the persistent threat of regional conflict.

Together, these factors have propelled not only students but also labourers, entrepreneurs and asylum seekers to pursue opportunities abroad. Compounding the problem is the lack of reliable data on emigration. Without a centralised regulatory body to track these trends, the government is left grappling with anecdotal evidence and fragmented reports. Nonetheless, alarming figures have surfaced.

President Masoud Pezeshkian recently claimed that up to 80 per cent of students were contemplating emigration, while his minister of science noted that 25 per cent of university professors had already left in the past few years.  University graduates and skilled professionals form the backbone of a country’s innovation and productivity. Yet, Iran’s talent pool is being drained at an alarming rate.

The number of Iranians studying abroad has increased more in the last four years — hitting 110,000 in 2024 — than in the two decades before. Such an acceleration indicates profound discontent and points to systemic issues. The destinations chosen reflect both financial pressures and geopolitical realities. Turkey, with its proximity and accessible visas, is now the top choice, while Canada’s inclusive international programmes make it second most favoured.

Germany and Italy rank third and fourth, thanks to scholarships and research opportunities. For decades, the US was the premier destination, hosting a staggering 50,000 Iranian students during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, in comparison to other English-speaking countries, it has seen lower growth in numbers. This is largely due to the tightening of visa restrictions during Donald Trump’s first presidency, a policy that may now resurface.

Many often settle permanently in host countries, contributing to a near-permanent loss of talent, the detrimental effects of which are already evident. Skill shortages are hobbling key industries and stalling innovation, while the outflow of trained professionals weakens capacity for scientific and technological advancement.

The flight of skilled Iranians is complicated by the influx of Afghan refugees into Iran since the return of the Taliban in 2021. Plans to deport an estimated two million Afghan workers by March 2025 will make it more difficult to stabilise the labour market and manage development challenges. Reversing this trend requires comprehensive, long-term solutions. The government must address the root causes.

Economic reforms, coupled with political stability and social freedoms, are essential to restoring hope to Iran’s citizens. Policies that encourage the return of skilled professionals could help mitigate the damage.

Unfortunately, such solutions require a political will that seems absent today. For now, the brain drain shows no signs of slowing. The global community should pay close attention.

The loss of human capital is not just a tragedy for Iran — it is a cautionary tale of how mismanagement and repression can rob a nation of its future.