Information International indicated in a new report published this week that the catastrophic economic and financial situation and the deteriorating living conditions, along with the irresponsible political speeches has led to an unprecedented increase in the number of citizens immigrating the country searching for better conditions.

The report said that the salaries in foreign currency, even low, can be sufficient for families living in Lebanon. The orders of some professions have also reported huge immigration mainly between physicians, nurses, and the medical staff, as well as lawyers and engineers. However, the General Security numbers do not reflect this reality, but rather indicates stability in immigration activity between January 15, and May 15. The number of arrivals reached 207,773 people, and departures 210,495, that means only 2,722 citizens has immigrated. In 2020, almost 478,726 arrived, while 480,898 departed, and the net outcome amounted to 2,172 Lebanese.

The report showed that numbers are below expectations, due to the bad conditions, as immigration has become more selective including professional categories such as physicians, nurses, and professors.

The total number of travelers and migrants last year have reached 17,721 Lebanese.

These numbers do not contradict the citizens’ great desire to emigrate and look for better job opportunity and income. However, the economic situation in countries that usually receive Lebanese is also impacted severely by the pandemic. In addition, the citizen’s financial ability to travel has tumbled, as well as the difficulty in obtaining visas.

The will and desire to emigrate still exists among Lebanese, but many hindrances are preventing them from immigrating, especially that several countries didn’t show their willingness to receive Lebanese immigrants, similar to what happened during the war.