Socio-Economic Determinants of Migration in Pakistan

Abstract

Different migration theories represent different variables about determinants, degrees, and dynamics of migration. Some other theories discuss the economic aspects of migration at the personal and household level, such as the neo-classical and the new economics of colonial theories. This study examines the determinants of migration based on current theories of migration. We use primary (micro) data for this purpose: Pakistan Demographic Household Survey (PDHS) 2017-18. Moreover, we think that the decision to migrate is not the individual’s decision; it is the collective decision of the home, and we have included the household-level characteristics in the analysis. The study aims to analyse the socio-economic determinants of migration in Pakistan. Logistic regression is applied to assess the impact of socio-economic determinants of migration in Pakistan. Marriages (71%) play a major role in immigration decision-making in Pakistan, and migration in Pakistan is the predominant factor.  Education has a positive relationship with migration. The better economic opportunities have a significant impact on migration.