Tel aviv: Official figures have revealed a significant increase in the number of Israelis emigrating abroad, reaching unprecedented levels in recent years, with only a few returning. According to Israel's Maariv newspaper, this data was reported on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, a special Knesset report found that most emigrants are educated young adults between the ages of 20 and 39, including some who had previously immigrated to Israel but left shortly after. These findings, published by the Knesset Research and Information Center, precede a session of the parliamentary Committee for Immigration and Absorption set to convene on Monday to address this growing emigration trend.

Data from Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics, cited in the report, indicates that, on average, about 36,000 Israelis emigrated annually from 2009 to 2021. However, starting in 2022, emigration increased sharply, with 55,000 Israelis leaving that year-a 46% rise from 2021. This figure rose again in 2023, with approximately 82,700 Israelis emigrating, marking another 50% increase.

Despite the high emigration rates, the number of Israelis returning after extended stays abroad remained low, averaging around 24,000 annually. Approximately 40% of those who left and 38% of those who returned in 2022 were between 20 and 39 years old, a higher share than their proportion in the general population, which stands at 27%.

The paper highlighted that this demographic represents a young, highly employable group, and their departure could have long-term economic implications. The report also noted another surge in departures since October 2023, though further details were not provided.