Emigration from Guinea and the Contribution of the Guinean Diaspora to the Socio-Economic Development of the Country

Abstract

The article analyzes the trends of emigration from Guinea, which is one of the poorest countries in the world. The purpose of this study was to identify the contribution of the Guinean diaspora to the socio-economic development of the country. The article identifies the factors and main directions of emigration from Guinea, analyzes the current situation of the Guinean diaspora in the host countries, assesses the impact of emigration and diasporas on the demographic and socio-economic situation in Guinea, and also offers recommendations for managing migration and interacting with the diaspora for development. The study is based on the analysis of statistical data from international and foreign organizations, and also analyzes the results of sociological surveys conducted among various categories of Guinean migrants. Emigration from Guinea has a long history and is quite diverse in terms of factors and trends. Guinea's location in the ECOWAS zone plays a decisive role in the formation of emigration. But gradually emigration diversifies and reorients itself towards Europe and North America. Also, oil-producing countries of the Maghreb and the Middle East have become new directions for the emigration of Guineans over the past five years. Emigration flows from Guinea are distinguished by a high proportion of young people who see emigration as a means of socio-economic mobility and a way to implement life plans and strategies. The involvement of women in the flows of emigrants is increasing, primarily in the European direction. Unfortunately, the share of illegal emigrants from Guinea to European countries in the total emigration flow is increasing, primarily in the Italian direction. A significant differentiation of the educational level of emigrants was revealed depending on the channels and goals of migration, as well as the geography of emigration. Remittances and investments from the diaspora take place, but do not yet play a decisive role in the socio-economic development of the country. Rather, remittances represent a hidden and underutilized development potential of a country.