Impact of Economic and Social Factors on Migration Intention: An Empirical Study Based on University Students in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of economic and social factors on migration intention. The Studies conducted inother countries have proved that the impact of economic and social factors on migration intention variedwith time, country and method used to measure variables and relationship found is inconclusive. Therefore, this research attempts to fill this research gap. The economic factors and social factors used as the independent variable in the study. For the evaluation purpose researcherused for indicators each variable. Low income and unemployment used as indicators for economic factors and social security and family influence used as indicators for social factors. The dependent variable was migration intention. The sample of the study consists of the 200 final year undergraduates from both state and non-state university in Sri Lanka. Four hypotheses were used to achieve study objectives, whereas hypotheses were tested by the regression analyses. The findings of the study statistically confirmed that there is an impact of social and economic factors on migration intention. Therefore, this study will provide the benefits to policymakers to formulate policies to retain talented individuals within the country.