Obstacles to youth empowerment in the Syrian crisis and its effect on external migration Al-Hasakah Governorate as model

Youth migration has intensified in conflict-affected societies, where structural constraints undermine young people’s ability to achieve social and economic stability. This study examines the obstacles to youth empowerment under the conditions imposed by the Syrian crisis and analyzes their effect on external migration among youth in Al-Hasakah Governorate. Using a descriptive–analytical approach, data were collected in 2023 through a questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of 403 male and female youths. The instrument measured three dimensions of empowerment: national belonging, socio-economic empowerment, and self-empowerment. The findings indicate that the overall effect of obstacles to youth empowerment on migration was high (M = 3.56; relative weight = 71.27%). Socio-economic empowerment obstacles exerted a high effect (M = 3.90), while national belonging and self-empowerment showed moderate effects. No statistically significant differences were found based on gender or place of residence, whereas significant differences emerged according to educational level, favoring youth with secondary and university education. The study highlights the central role of economic insecurity and limited opportunities in shaping migration aspirations and underscores the need for targeted youth empowerment policies to reduce forced migration and support post-crisis recovery in Al-Hasakah Governorate.