Socio-Economic Aspects of International Migration in Azerbaijan

doi.org/10.52340/eab.2025.17.04.10 The article examines the key features of international migration regulation in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The research methodology is grounded in comparative analytical approaches. The significance of the study lies in identifying the principal advantages that international migration offers to the country. In this context, the research explores both the theoretical and methodological foundations of migration regulation, as well as the economic development experiences of various states. Particular attention is given to the management and state regulation of international migration processes in Azerbaijan. To evaluate the influence of macroeconomic factors on migration, the study employs statistical analysis, generalization techniques, and regression and econometric methods. The current dynamics of international migration in Azerbaijan are analyzed, synthesized, and assessed, leading to important findings. Keywords: International population migration, emigration, highly qualified personnel, immigration, brain drain, unemployed, government regulation. JEL Codes: F22, J61, O15, R23, J68 Introduction Demographic indicators such as birth rate, mortality rate, natural population growth, and international migration play a decisive role in shaping the composition and future development of populations within states and their individual regions. The outcomes of these influences may be either positive or negative. Therefore, it is essential to examine the impact of migration processes – particularly international migration – on the formation and ongoing development of a country’s population and its labor resource potential (Aghayarova, A.A., 2023). The term "migration" is derived from the Latin word "migratio," which means movement. In its broadest sense, migration refers to the process of population movement across territories and regions, resulting in a change of residence. Population migration has a long and ancient history, dating back to the first major division of labor in human society – the separation of livestock farming from agriculture. Moreover, the scale of migration at various stages of historical development, as well as its intensity, forms, and outcomes, have varied greatly. Nevertheless, a detailed study of migration processes in our country, as well as in other post-Soviet republics, only began in the 1960 s and 1970 s. This delay was largely due to the prohibition on studying demographic processes, including migration, that was enforced starting in the 1930 s. The concept of "population migration" was obscured alongside terms like "unemployment" and other economic concepts, failing to find its place in economic literature. Even in the "Great Soviet Encyclopedia," published in the 1950s, this term was not mentioned. It was only from 1960 onwards that the concept of population migration began to appear in some socio-economic and demographic literature. In the territory of the former USSR, including Azerbaijan, discussions and analyses of population migration were conducted by many economists and geographers from the late 1960s to the early 1970 s. They sought to explain the nature, forms, intensity, directions, and consequences of migration (Muradov R.Sh., 2014). LITERATURE REVIEW Some scholars view migration as the settlement of populations across different territories, while others perceive it as an event or process of redistributing populations within a given area. Another group of researchers rightly distinguishes between population mobility and its overall location, framing this as geographical mobility (Muradov R.Sh., 2014). According to the fourth group of authors, including Ukrainian scholar V.S. Khoreyev, the migration process is understood in a broad sense as the migratory movement of populations and migratory activities, while in a narrower sense, it refers to the movement of individuals from one place to another. From this perspective, O.V. Lormin also approached the migration process as a component of migratory movement and activities. There are those who approach migration as distinct forms of population movement, including territorial, professional, field, and social mobility. V.D. Breyev replaced the concept of population mobility with migration (Muradov R. Sh. 2014). "Population migration should be understood as the process of moving from one locality to another." Migration can encompass at least three possible aspects of population movement across territories: first, all movements of populations across regions, regardless of their nature or objectives; second, movements in which individuals change their residence, workplace, or educational institution, either permanently or for a specified period; and third, movements that lead to the segregation of populations within territories. Overall, migration and the movement of people from one place to another are driven by specific forces, motivations, and factors. These can be categorized into three major groups based on the degree of change: those in constant motion, those that are relatively stable, and those that are variable. The latter group includes all actions of individuals that depend on their daily activities. International migration is an inevitable phenomenon, akin to trade between nations, with political, social, economic, and other consequences that are unique to the contemporary era. As a result, each state seeks to mitigate its negative impacts and enhance positive effects through migration regulation. The implementation of such measures involves identifying the primary determinants of migration and managing these determinants either individually or systematically. Therefore, this study aims to address several important questions. The first question is: how is migration characterized as a process in economic literature from a theoretical perspective, and what distinguishes the various migration theories within that literature? The second question is: what determinants of international migration are identified in the economic literature, and are there significant differences among these determinants in migration theories? The third question focuses on the essence of migration regulation. Lastly, the fourth question examines how migration regulation impacts the determinants of migration. These questions are widely debated in economic literature; however, there is no consensus or universally accepted answers to any of them. The primary reasons for this include not only the limited availability of statistical data on migration and its determinants but also the fact that theoretical models remain imperfect. On the other hand, a significant issue in migration research is the weak connection between government policy regarding migration processes and their determining factors, as well as theoretical and academic studies of the migration process as a whole or specific aspects of it. One of the main challenges is that the relationships between the economic aspects of migration and other dimensions (such as political, psychological, social, and demographic factors) are less explored in theoretical research, or there is a lack of appropriate methodology for such studies. Given this context, we will attempt to conduct a comparative analysis of the existing responses to these questions Aghayarova, A.A., (2021). Migrants who travel from their country of origin to a destination country for various reasons encounter a new culture, customs, and different conditions in that country. In this context, it is essential for them to adapt to these conditions in order to live safely while performing their work. The departure of migrants from their country of origin and their arrival in the destination country creates new opportunities and challenges for the populations, societies, and economies of both nations. Migration from one country to another impacts the size, age and gender structure, national composition, and various quantitative and qualitative indicators of the population and labor resources in these countries from multiple perspectives. The emigration of highly skilled personnel from the country of origin has a negative effect on that country’s economy. The destination country strengthens its economy by acquiring such skilled personnel. Remittances sent back to the country of origin by migrants who possess various knowledge and skills and are engaged in employment in the destination country positively impact the standard of living for the population in that country. After Azerbaijan gained independence, the migration process in our country underwent significant changes in both directions, encompassing both emigration and immigration. In the years leading up to independence and during the initial five years (1990-1994) of our independence, the number of immigrants arriving in our country for permanent residence from abroad was 211,200 individuals. In contrast, the number of migrants leaving our republic for permanent residence abroad was 342,300, resulting in a net migration balance of minus 131,100 individuals. During the subsequent 13 years (1995-2007), the number of immigrants who came to our country for permanent residence totaled only 45,000 individuals, while the number of migrants leaving for permanent residence in other countries amounted to 101,200. This resulted in a negative migration balance of 56,200 individuals. On the other hand, during the following 14 years, covering the period from 2008 to 2022, the number of immigrants arriving in our country for permanent residence from abroad was 38,700 individuals. Meanwhile, the number of migrants leaving our country for permanent residence abroad totaled 17,700 individuals, resulting in a positive migration balance of 21,000 individuals. In the lead-up to our independence and during its early days, the significant increase in the outflow of migrants from our republic to foreign countries and the decrease in the number of immigrants to our country were primarily driven by political, national, and ethnic factors. In the following years, the increase in the number of immigrants from abroad to our republic, along with a decrease in the number of migrants leaving our country for permanent residence abroad, contributed to a reduction in overall migration outflow and a positive migration balance in our country after 2008. As a result of the return to power of the great leader Heydar Aliyev on June 15, 1993, and at the insistence of our people, a ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia was established for the first time, officially declared on May 12, 1994. This period also saw the signing of the "Contract of the Century" on September 20 of the same year, the establishment of political stability in our country since 1995, and the restoration of economic ties with foreign countries, leading to dynamic economic growth starting in 1996.In recent years, changes in the number of immigrants arriving in our country and the number of migrants leaving have not been significantly affected by the closure of drought-stricken areas in our country due to COVID-19. Over the past ten years, the economic development of Azerbaijan has led to an increase in the influx of migrants into the country. Unlike the 1990s, the current migration process is characterized by a minimal presence of political and ethnic motives. Although there are ethnic Azerbaijanis among the migrants arriving in the country, economic motives predominate. The presence of ethnic Azerbaijanis among the immigrants does not justify the notion of ethnic identity in migration processes, as the vast majority of these migrants are individuals who have integrated into the societies of other countries, and their return to Azerbaijan is largely driven by economic factors. The complex economic situation in these countries following the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly after Russia\`s aggression against Ukraine, along with the threat of mobilization, has increased migration to Azerbaijan, attracting not only Azerbaijanis but also individuals from other ethnic groups. According to the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the number of migrants arriving in Azerbaijan at the beginning of 2021 approached 50,000 individuals. The main reasons for migration in Azerbaijan are not significantly different from those in other countries. However, at any given time, it is necessary to identify more critical reasons that are specific to each country. Among the reasons for emigration from Azerbaijan in the 1990 s, it is essential to mention political instability and the sharp deterioration of living conditions due to Armenia\`s aggression against Azerbaijan. However, since 1994, political stability and continuous economic development in the country, along with the prevention of ethnic and religious conflicts in society and the promotion of broad tolerance and respect for cultural diversity, have mitigated the factors that might drive people to migrate. The establishment of an adequate legal framework for migration management in Azerbaijan, the transparency of entry procedures for labor migrants, and the implementation of a "one-stop shop" system also have a notable effect. However, the negative migration balance in recent years—where emigration exceeds immigration – suggests that such a downward trend cannot be addressed solely through direct government intervention. Direct involvement in immigration is viewed as a restriction on the movement of people and contradicts human rights principles. In particular, attempts at administrative regulation of such movements can often lead to negative consequences. As a progressive country entering the process of globalization and embarking on a path of democratic development, Azerbaijan respects the rights of every citizen who chooses the path of emigration. No citizen of Azerbaijan can emigrate to other countries unless they have committed a crime or have any obligations to their home country. Naturally, compliance with the migration regulations of the destination country is required during this time. DISCUSSION A comparison of numerous studies focused on migration regimes in Azerbaijan suggests that the migration regime in the country is considerably "more lenient" compared to that of developed nations. Citizens from many countries around the world do not even require a visa to enter Azerbaijan. On the other hand, obtaining a visa has become easier for citizens of certain countries. Citizens from most former Soviet republics can stay in Azerbaijan visa-free for up to 90 days. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are also streamlined procedures for obtaining work permits for labor migrants. However, the negative migration balance some researchers with to between the primary and reasons for migration in our country. and and including and have explored these They identify social instability and the with Armenia as the primary reasons for migration to Azerbaijan. The study conducted by a research in Azerbaijan, labor migration and its social consequences. The research by and the key determinants of international migration in Azerbaijan, covering the period from to econometric it was established that international migration process is largely by three significant first of these is the rate, which is The lack of opportunities to other socio-economic including and even has a impact on the of emigration from the country. Another important for emigration from Azerbaijan identified by researchers is the standard of and that in the early years following the Soviet there were no significant differences between the processes of labor migration and permanent migration. that time, it was also to between the legal and employment of immigrants in the former Soviet However, in the subsequent years, state in these republics began to in with the of the new in the economy at various also migration Direct regulation of migration processes in Azerbaijan is through and other legal Over the past years, more 20 have been to migration The of various countries, particularly developed nations, that migration regulation significantly influences migration a in which there are no migration in the or any other developed country. In this the of migration to these countries their stability and However, the impact of migration on countries is not as the immigration into countries the effects of migration regulation in those Nevertheless, given the significant outflow of emigration from such countries, which is often not by the question of regulation of this process This is emigration to a from countries, their The continuous increase in emigration from Azerbaijan to various countries, including developed nations, with the lack of regulation of this the of more significant factors migration and the of migration regulation through these factors. for each country, the of highly skilled to a of human which is in On the other hand, the majority of the population is of as in previous we approach the migration process as the movement of individuals from one country to another for or permanent residence, the primary in this process is and may various economic There are groups of individuals who do not even possess the minimal means for migration. Therefore, migration certain some there is to as they have the to live as long as they in the countries of their Naturally, such individuals are in number compared to the former these groups a third, or of to certain countries within their important for this group is the potential in the destination country, by the which is in their country of However, this is only the potential the necessary of knowledge and the of cannot as a for migration. In the economic literature, various factors are as the primary reasons for migration. the role of economic and social factors in their studies. as mentioned is based on the of countries with and in migration processes, from the of the standard of living in developed countries for individuals in countries with and to development in connection with to the development of social factors. the development of and on migration labor migration, particularly the migration of highly skilled has a positive impact on the economy of the destination country and a negative effect on the economy of the country of as it is with a of human The situation is different for the migration of sent by to their home countries during labor migration can have a positive effect on the economy and social of the country of while certain negative impacts on the destination country. These are also widely in the economic literature. that sent by migrants to their increase through in the country of On the other hand, a labor from a country to a developed country may new skills while in the This can them to work as more skilled their return of an increase in human in the destination country and their return to the country of It an important role in the society of the country into the globalization process and in international in the country of However, it is that the outflow of highly skilled from such countries to more developed has a negative impact on the economic development of the country of The also to Azerbaijan as a country with a and the migration processes within it. from Azerbaijan primarily distinct and These differences in emigration are to the of knowledge and skills of the Azerbaijan experiences both an outflow of highly skilled and an outflow of On the other hand, among the immigrants arriving in Azerbaijan, there are not only highly skilled but also labor migrants Therefore, government regulation of migration should adapt based on the of migrants. country seeks to its highly skilled while attracting migrants. In other there is an international for highly skilled The countries, and visa regimes to highly skilled for immigration. countries conditions that such to live and work economic and social within the country. on the nature of emigration in Azerbaijan, its also highly skilled to to developed countries, particularly the and nations. In contrast, labor migrants primarily and as their destination countries. on the experiences of other countries and research, one that the first of emigration may have a negative impact on while the second have a positive that the migrants arriving in the country possess different a for the immigration of highly skilled and a for the arrival of labor migrants should be one of the important measures for migration in Azerbaijan, as it is in most countries. However, the implementation of such a policy quantitative In the impact of state migration regulation measures on the country, as well as on the or of migrants from the country, is can this in the of a regression the between – the migration and – the economic development we can the of the change in or and can be the emigration of individuals with the immigration of individuals with the of other labor migrants the number of other labor migrants It is that the is In it is important to include other indicators that influence migration. the in the country the of the to the the of for in the country and can an of the between migration indicators and macroeconomic indicators in the regression the indicators of government It is that some researchers also the of globalization of both the and countries as factors that migration. that one of the important factors migration is the of globalization of countries. that the of emigration and immigration in Azerbaijan from migration processes in other countries due to certain the into emigration the of and the of in the number of are on the globalization the on the of economic is conducted across different countries that economic and social factors have a influence on migration processes, while other factors such as and labor also significantly impact economic As mentioned the emigration of highly qualified personnel can while their immigration can have a positive effect. In other economic development can influence migration, and migration can in impact economic development, a Therefore, we can the between these indicators through the between the migration and the indicators of economic certain be to the number of highly or we will that primarily highly or highly skilled personnel emigrate to developed countries. Migrants leaving for or arriving in other countries, including post-Soviet countries the will not be as such lead to significant data However, we do this to from migration. will the number of to the the the and as those to to these countries should be in for the knowledge of is for emigration to other post-Soviet countries. among these migrants, there are many highly individuals. However, as mentioned we will such migrants as highly into and the of emigration to developed countries and nations. In the of the rate, we will the of the number of people not and as along with the number of individuals. This is a significant of labor migrants among the Although these individuals in during certain of the due to or some in in most they are to in of work. According to the models in the emigration of highly qualified personnel from Azerbaijan significantly on only one of the mentioned the number of individuals in the country. The that as the number of people does the emigration of highly qualified from the country. an increase in the population to a in the number of highly qualified three factors significantly influence the outflow of labor migrants from the the number of unemployed, the of for and the to As the number of individuals the number of labor migrants leaving the country also for has a negative impact on labor migration, an between and labor migration. there is a positive between and labor migration. This suggests that to a certain with a rate, to an increase in the number of migrants the country. important to but even more is to necessary measures to individuals into the economy. The indicators do not significantly influence the number of labor migrants from countries to Azerbaijan.