From Feelings of Systemic Rejection to Challenges of Separation: A Study of Migration from Sistan-Baluchistan to Yazd

Abstract

Introduction The contemporary world is characterized by continuous and extensive events and transformations. Among these, the geographic mobility of people stands out as one of the most significant aspects of human history. Humans are inherently migratory and migration has formed a persistent thread throughout our past. This phenomenon, whether on a macro or micro level, is complex and multifaceted; it cannot be attributed to a single cause or explained by a mere combination of theories. Rather, a variety of factors collectively drive individuals or groups to migrate. In recent years, Yazd has emerged as an industrial hub in central Iran. The abundance of job opportunities, stemming from mining activities and the growth of various service and industrial sectors, has made Yazd an attractive destination for many internal migrants and those from abroad. A significant number of these migrants hail from Sistan and Baluchestan, which has become the fifth largest source of migration to Yazd, according to the population census conducted between 2011 and 2016. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the migration of people from Sistan and Baluchestan to Yazd, focusing on the central question: What factors in Sistan and Baluchestan drive these individuals to relocate to the city of Yazd? Materials & Methods This research aimed to explore the migration of people from Sistan and Baluchestan to Yazd City. The study was conducted in Yazd in 2023 by employing qualitative methods and purposive sampling, involving semi-structured interviews with 13 participants. Data analysis was carried out using thematic analysis techniques. Given the variety of models available for thematic analysis, this research adopted a comprehensive, step-by-step approach that integrated methods proposed by Attride-Stirling, Braun and Clarke, and King and Horrocks. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The data analysis revealed 6 main themes: unfavorable conditions, challenging livelihoods, feelings of systemic rejection, de-tension, constraints of separation, and pursuit of progress. Among these, the most significant factor influencing the migration of people from Sistan and Baluchestan was the challenging nature of their livelihoods, which stemmed from the unfavorable conditions in the province. Sistan and Baluchestan is underdeveloped in terms of both natural resources and welfare infrastructure and residents feel that no substantial efforts have been made toward improvement. The migrants from this region expressed concerns about issues, such as water shortages, severe storms, droughts, high temperatures, and a lack of welfare and educational facilities. These challenges had contributed to an environment that many considered unsuitable for living. As a result, they had experienced difficult livelihoods characterized by inadequate employment opportunities and insufficient income, which had motivated their decision to migrate. In addition to these critical factors, feelings of systemic rejection had further reinforced the desire to migrate. Many people believed that effective policies for welfare and provincial development had not been implemented and they felt that local residents were not adequately involved in addressing the region's challenges. This perception—that the province was unlikely to embark on a path toward development and that individual growth necessitated migration—had become a significant driving force behind the movement to Yazd. Another contributing factor was the desire for de-tension as the migrants had sought to escape the anti-normative behaviors prevalent in their home province and avoided social issues, such as addiction, smuggling, and theft, while searching for greater security in Yazd. However, upon migrating, the individuals had encountered various constraints, including identity distortion. Many expressed dissatisfaction with how they were perceived by others, feeling that they were unjustly viewed as undesirable, subjected to humiliation and ridicule, and, at times, even questioned about their Iranian identity. Additionally, the pressures of adaptation had posed challenges, particularly in the initial stages of migration as they had to acclimate to the conditions of their new city. Alienation was another significant aspect of their experience. While migrants might have clan, family, and acquaintances in Yazd, they often felt a lack of meaningful connections, leading to feelings of estrangement. Despite these challenges, migrants remained determined to pursue opportunities for advancement, adapting to obstacles in order to improve their personal growth and living standards—conditions that were unavailable in their home city but were present in the more developed Yazd. Overall, migrants reported a sense of satisfaction with their decision to move as they perceived better prospects for personal and familial growth. This analysis indicated that while economic factors were the primary motivation for migration from Sistan and Baluchestan, social, cultural, and political elements also played significant roles. Consequently, addressing these issues—through investment, development, and creation of job opportunities—required the attention of policymakers to ensure the strategic position of the province was maintained with a balanced population.

Keywords

• migration
• sistan and baluchistan
• difficult livelihood
• yazd