SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL FACTORS OF MIGRATION TO SAUDI ARABIA: THE CASE OF JELDU DISTRICT, WEST SHAWA ZONE, OROMIA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

Migration to Saudi Arabia has become a widespread phenomenon for most communities in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the socio-economic and political factors of migration to Saudi Arabia with particular emphasis on Jeldu district. To achieve this objective, a cross-sectional study design was used. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed. The quantitative data were collected through questionnaire from 193 respondents. The qualitative data were also gathered from 27 participants via FGDs and key informant interviews to supplement quantitative data. Whereas quantitative data were processed by using SPSS version 20, qualitative data were analyzed through the interpretation of meanings and contents, organizing and summarizing. Accordingly, the result of this study indicates that family, community and peer pressure and social networks were identified as the social factors of migration respectively. On the other hand, unemployment, shortage of land and looking for better-paying jobs were economic factors of migration respectively. Besides, political oppression and marginalization, and lack of good governance were pushed persons to migrate. Notably, existence of social networks with earlier migrants and flow of information are significantly increasing the likelihood of continued migration in area. Finally, since the issue of migration is very much interwoven and affecting different part of community, it requires collective efforts of governmental and non-governmental organizations to lessen the migration of youths and adults from the area.