A comparative study of the policies and actions of selected countries in the diaspora sector and considerations for Iran
Abstract
Diasporas refer to the dispersion, migration, or displacement of a group of people who live far from their homeland and are scattered around the world. Today, whether voluntary or forced, diasporas offer many opportunities for countries. Nations like India and China have benefited from their large diaspora populations, using this opportunity to foster economic growth and development. Given the number of Iranian migrants worldwide, studying the experiences of successful countries in this area can provide Iran with the opportunity to leverage the potential of its diaspora.
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Diaspora in India: India has a large diaspora of around 18 million people living abroad, which plays a significant role in the country’s development. The Indian government has successfully utilized this diaspora’s potential through various policy initiatives. These include creating diaspora knowledge networks, facilitating investment from overseas Indians, implementing electronic transfer schemes to speed up remittances, offering scholarships to the children of overseas Indians, expanding the “Know India” program for second and third-generation youth, and introducing an overseas citizenship scheme. These efforts have contributed to both national development and the strengthening of ties with the global Indian community.
Diaspora in China: China has the second-largest diaspora after India, with 10.7 million citizens living abroad. The country has used its large diaspora to support economic reforms, particularly in the 1990s. The Chinese government has actively engaged its diaspora through embassies, recruitment programs, and special initiatives like entrepreneurship conferences and industrial parks for returning students. However, ideological challenges, especially the expectations for diaspora members to support the Chinese Communist Party’s interests, have hindered the success of these policies, particularly due to tensions with Western countries like the U.S.
Diaspora in Israel: Israel’s diaspora is unique, as it was founded to gather Jews back to their historic homeland. The country has absorbed millions of immigrants, and many Jews also live in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
Policies on Diaspora: Israel grants Jews worldwide the right to immigrate and gain citizenship through the “Law of Return” and emphasizes its Jewish identity through the 2018 “Nation-State Law.”
Challenges: Israel’s alliances with far-right regimes have caused divisions within the diaspora, especially among U.S. Jews, who question Israel’s future as a democratic state.
Considerations for Iran
Iran should develop a clear policy to leverage its diaspora, addressing challenges while recognizing the importance of political stability and economic appeal. Successful diaspora policies in countries like China show that a growing economy and political stability are key factors that encourage investment and repatriation. Iran’s policies must align with its socio-political and economic realities to effectively engage its diaspora.
This study was conducted by Iranian Institute commissioned by the Islamic Culture and Communication Organization in 2023.
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