Irregular Migration, Palestinian Case: Demographic and socioeconomic perspectives

Abstract

In this paper, particular attention is given to Palestinian refugees since they comprise over half of the world-wide Palestinian population. Demographic and economic data is used to study the impact of refugees on Palestinian society and the Palestinian economy. The paper has four main sections: along with a brief review of the literature, the first section provides definitions of irregular migration and Palestinian refugees. The second section offers a detailed look at demographics, while the third section examines socioeconomic characteristics. Both the second and third sections offer comparisons between refugees and non-refugees in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt). A conclusion is given in the fourth and final section. The data shows a variance in socioeconomic characteristics between Palestinian refugees and non-refugees living in the oPt. Both refugees and non-refuges live in similar social and economic settings, thereby strengthening solidarity amongst Palestinians. The article concludes by noting that the increasing numbers of young Palestinians in the oPt along with a trend of local de-development and a lack of economic opportunities will drive more Palestinians to emigrate. For Palestinian refugees, this will give rise to a second, or even third, displacement.