https://arab.news/47ydc
Across the Middle East and North Africa region, a growing number of expatriates are choosing to return to their countries of origin, bringing with them financial capital, remittances and entrepreneurial ambition. This reverse flow of talent is gradually reshaping local economies, reinforcing national development strategies.
In 2023, remittances to MENA countries totaled $55 billion, evidence of the immense role that expatriates continue to play. However, what is emerging today goes beyond financial transfers: returning expats are becoming active economic actors at home, investing in businesses, launching startups and contributing to key sectors such as technology, healthcare and education. Their return marks a critical shift for the region, signaling that the future of MENA’s growth may increasingly rely on the circulation of skills and knowledge, not just capital.
The diasporas of MENA countries are increasingly driving investments and supporting local economic development models, positioning themselves as a key social and economic stabilizer amid the growing challenges facing the region. Governments have become acutely aware of the role their communities abroad play in sustaining their national economies. In Lebanon, for instance, remittances from the diaspora have helped prevent a complete collapse of the state in the face of hyperinflation and the currency’s downfall.
