Abstract
Using an original survey, this paper examines how pandemic-driven insecurities
have affected aspirations to migrate internationally among youth in
The Gambia. We nd that individuals perceive wide inequalities between
their government's performance and the speed of Covid-19 recovery abroad.
However, superior recovery abroad does not have significant effects on aspirations to migrate. Individual and local sources of security are more important: Individuals who were able to maintain their jobs throughout the pandemic are less likely to aspire to move abroad. The insecurity of Covid-19 job loss may be compensated by condence in one's government's ability to tackle the pandemic. This suggests that, in the context of an event that has upended people's lives, would-be migrants who managed to maintain a source of stability may seek comfort in familiar contexts; even if they appear worse
than alternatives abroad.
have affected aspirations to migrate internationally among youth in
The Gambia. We nd that individuals perceive wide inequalities between
their government's performance and the speed of Covid-19 recovery abroad.
However, superior recovery abroad does not have significant effects on aspirations to migrate. Individual and local sources of security are more important: Individuals who were able to maintain their jobs throughout the pandemic are less likely to aspire to move abroad. The insecurity of Covid-19 job loss may be compensated by condence in one's government's ability to tackle the pandemic. This suggests that, in the context of an event that has upended people's lives, would-be migrants who managed to maintain a source of stability may seek comfort in familiar contexts; even if they appear worse
than alternatives abroad.
Original language | English |
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Journal | International Interactions |
Early online date | 7 Jan 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 7 Jan 2022 |