Attitude, Risk Perception and Readiness of Ethiopian Potential Migrants and Returnees Towards Unsafe Migration

Authors

  • Abebaw Minaye Addis Ababa University
  • Waganesh A. Zeleke Duquesne University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14426/ahmr.v3i1.817

Keywords:

Ethiopia, Migrants, Attitude, Risk-perception, Readiness

Abstract

In Ethiopia, where there is high prevalence of migration to the Middle East and
Europe, a multitude of studies have focused on the relationships between the role
of smugglers, push and pull factors, and illegal migration. However, only a
fraction of studies have examined the context from the individual and collective
mind-set perspective. The process of the decision to migrate may be influenced
by individuals’ beliefs about illegal migration. This study examined the attitudes,
levels of readiness and risk perceptions of potential and returnee migrants
towards illegal migration to the Middle East. Survey data were collected from
1,726 Ethiopian returnee (n=991) and potential migrants (n=735). Results
indicated that here was a significant difference between potential and returnee
migrants in holding a positive attitude towards unsafe and illegal migration, t
(1260) =-8.474, p=0.000.