Factors Influencing Migration Intention of Undergraduates: A Study based on state & non state university students in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study examines the factors that influence the migration intention of undergraduates in Sri Lanka. Economic instability and the political environment are the two main problems that are prolonged in Sri Lanka which cause youths and professionals to migrate. Covid-19 led to an economic downfall and has triggered a spike in migration. Usually after completing their full-time secondary education, most young people and skilled professionals in Sri Lanka migrate and have a strong desire to live in a foreign country. Researchers have selected the sample size as 385 undergraduates from state and non-state universities in Sri Lanka and used regression analysis techniques for data analysis. Previous researchers have only concentrated more on how disparity migrants face due to the country's severe economic downturn. Although all age groups have been well studied with regard to the above-explained research area, the undergraduates have not been specifically studied by the previous researchers based on the country’s current situation. Researchers have researched undergraduates’ migration intentions because of important reasons like brain drain, lack of skilled workers, etc. This study adopts a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to examine the factors influencing migration intention in the Sri Lankan context. The goal of the study is to examine the factors influencing undergraduate migration which can be used to further understand the reasons for migration. Finally, the study findings on migration factors will guide students to examine how intentions and migrations are interrelated and help in improving Sri Lanka's higher education system.