Yemeni Diaspora

Abstract

This research investigates how migrant Yemeni populations, in the MENA region, view and respond to the political events in Yemen during the ongoing conflict that erupted in 2015. Employing Himadri Lahiri’s framework of diaspora and transnationalism, this study examines the community’s regional distribution, affiliations, challenges and initiatives by relying on primary and secondary sources. Data was re-categorized to fit a regional scope, then backed by social media feeds along with art productions. Thematic and narrative approaches were employed in analyzing the collected data. The findings demonstrate that there are over three million Yemenis living in the region with the highest concentrations in the Gulf, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey, with each community depicting a different form of reactivity to Yemeni politics. The analysis further reveals that Yemenis in the MENA region remain largely connected to the political atmosphere within Yemen, but their responses vary depending on the political dynamics in the host states and their intracommunity relationships. Therefore, the research recommends improved engagement and coordination with the diaspora community to ensure meaningful and effective participation in the peace process and humanitarian action.