2
Faculty Member and Researcher in Economic Security
3
Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations
10.22067/erd.2026.96089.1331
Abstract
The growing migration of Afghan nationals to Iran, particularly to Isfahan Province, has brought about numerous economic challenges and opportunities. The present study was conducted to provide a strategic analysis of the employment status of Afghan immigrants in Isfahan Province using an economic security approach. This applied research adopted a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) design. In the qualitative phase, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) were extracted through semi-structured interviews with 12 provincial experts. Subsequently, in the quantitative phase, the strategic position of the province was evaluated by consulting 10 experts and developing Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrices. The results of the SWOT matrix revealed that the weight of structural weaknesses and environmental threats (such as currency outflow and the creation of job monopolies) outweighed the strengths and opportunities, thereby placing the management of this phenomenon in a "defensive" (WT) position. Finally, seven interventional strategies were prioritized using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) based on the opinions of four experts. The findings indicate that "reconsidering prohibited occupations and zones for foreign nationals by incorporating provincial considerations and preventing the prescription of uniform national blueprints" constitutes the most critical strategy to overcome the current situation and mitigate damages.
esmaeilzadeh shahri, M., azari, M., & hamidi nejad, M. (2026). Strategic Analysis of the Status of Afghan Immigrants with an Economic Security Approach (Case Study: Isfahan Province ). (e48814). Journal of economics and regional development, (), e48814 https://doi.org/10.22067/erd.2026.96089.1331
MLA
esmaeilzadeh shahri, M., azari, M., & hamidi nejad, M. "Strategic Analysis of the Status of Afghan Immigrants with an Economic Security Approach (Case Study: Isfahan Province )" .e48814 , Journal of economics and regional development, , 2026, e48814. doi: 10.22067/erd.2026.96089.1331
HARVARD
esmaeilzadeh shahri M., azari M., hamidi nejad M. (2026). 'Strategic Analysis of the Status of Afghan Immigrants with an Economic Security Approach (Case Study: Isfahan Province )', Journal of economics and regional development, (), e48814. doi: 10.22067/erd.2026.96089.1331
CHICAGO
M. esmaeilzadeh shahri, M. azari & M. hamidi nejad, "Strategic Analysis of the Status of Afghan Immigrants with an Economic Security Approach (Case Study: Isfahan Province )," Journal of economics and regional development, (2026): e48814, doi: 10.22067/erd.2026.96089.1331
VANCOUVER
esmaeilzadeh shahri M., azari M., hamidi nejad M. Strategic Analysis of the Status of Afghan Immigrants with an Economic Security Approach (Case Study: Isfahan Province ). Journal of economics and regional development. 2026;():e48814 (In Persian). doi: 10.22067/erd.2026.96089.1331
