This paper examines international migration in Egypt and provides an overview of the trends
and patterns of international migration over the last few decades. It documents the changing
profiles of migrants and compares their characteristics to non-migrants, distinguishing
between current and return migrants. Also the push and pull factors behind out-migration and
return migration are investigated. In addition, the contributions of migration to skill
acquisition of migrants, savings and remittances are examined. The findings highlight the
importance of international migration to the Egyptian economy. Saudi Arabia continues to be
the most important destination of migrants, but is by no mean the sole destination. The profile
of migrants has changed over the past four decades as migrants have become more educated
but also more rural. Although migrants are more educated than non-migrants, returnees are
on average not as educated as current migrants. Yet, the findings show that returnees indeed
experience an upward occupational mobility upon return. More importantly, the evidence
suggests that savings and remittances have played an important role in enabling migrants and
their households to become investors in shares and economic projects.