Migration Intentions of Post War Youths in Sri Lanka: A Systematic Review of literature on Causes of Migration
Abstract
Abstract
This is a conceptual paper to understand the migration of youth population from Sri Lanka. The study reviews recent migration literature. Many actors have taken many initiatives to create a better future for youth in Sri Lanka. This includes provision of free and/or affordable education, skill development opportunities, and integration to development process, to shape the future. But there is a significant segment of the youth population who are not satisfied about the available opportunities and choices within Sri Lanka. They are not convinced for a better and safer society in future. In this research, the migration drivers and tendencies are examined and researched from a theoretical point of view with a special importance to perspectives and causes for migration of youths of post-war Sri Lanka. Objectives of this study are to understand reasons for youth migration and to understand the expected future relationship with home country. Many international migration theories have been proposed to assess and explain the underlying phenomena of international migration. Conventional findings suggest that migration can be explained with Neo-classical Theory of Migration, Theory of Economics of Migration, Dual Market Theory, Social Capital Theory, Cumulative Causation Theory and Trans-nationalism. However, international migration is a complex issue with multiple facets. One single theory may only explain a particular aspect of international migration. This study indicates that most of youth migrate to different countries due to perceived uncertainty placed upon their future and it cannot be explained with a single theory. This study makes major contributions to the existing theory in International Migration of Youth Population of Sri Lanka. The paper concluded with propositions, and recommendations on future research on understanding migration of youth.
Keywords: International Migration, Youth, Decision Making, Development, Globalization
