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Evaluating Socio-Political Changes: The Decision-Making Process of Skilled Migrants Relocating to Sweden

Wu, Xuan LU and Yar, Hanna (2024) SMMM40 20241
Department of Service Studies
Abstract
In today's climate of frequent global mobility and heightened competition for skilled
migrants, this paper investigates how recent socio-political changes in Sweden, such as rising crime rates, heightened terrorism threats, tighter immigration policies and economic
challenges have impacted the decision-making process of skilled migrants considering
relocation to the country. Through qualitative research, 16 semi-structured interviews were
conducted with skilled migrants, revealing that their relocation decisions are not solely based on external conditions, as the frequently used push and pull theory suggests. Instead, this study found that skilled migrants often make their decisions based on a comprehensive assessment of risks and... (More)
In today's climate of frequent global mobility and heightened competition for skilled
migrants, this paper investigates how recent socio-political changes in Sweden, such as rising crime rates, heightened terrorism threats, tighter immigration policies and economic
challenges have impacted the decision-making process of skilled migrants considering
relocation to the country. Through qualitative research, 16 semi-structured interviews were
conducted with skilled migrants, revealing that their relocation decisions are not solely based on external conditions, as the frequently used push and pull theory suggests. Instead, this study found that skilled migrants often make their decisions based on a comprehensive assessment of risks and rewards. Participants often engage in a more nuanced decisionmaking process, comparing the risks in Sweden to those in their home countries while also considering pull factors like Sweden's well-developed social welfare system, high quality of life, and progressive social policies. Although recent socio-political changes in Sweden have increased perceived risks, these factors have not significantly hindered the overall migration intentions of skilled migrants.

This study extends the push-pull model by incorporating a factor called emotional responses to perceived risks, emphasising the moderating role of risk perception in migration decisions. This theoretical contribution provides a more nuanced understanding of migration dynamics, highlighting the psychological and emotional factors that influence skilled migrants. In addition, our study finds that despite undergoing major socio-political transformations, Sweden's strong national brand image continues to exert a powerful influence in attracting potential skilled migrants. (Less)
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author
Wu, Xuan LU and Yar, Hanna
supervisor
organization
course
SMMM40 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Skilled migration, Socio-political changes, Sweden, Risk perception, Push-pull theory, Nation branding, Migration decision-making, Qualitative research.
language
English
id
9168056
date added to LUP
2024-06-25 11:15:56
date last changed
2024-06-25 11:15:56
@misc{9168056,
  abstract     = {{In today's climate of frequent global mobility and heightened competition for skilled 
migrants, this paper investigates how recent socio-political changes in Sweden, such as rising crime rates, heightened terrorism threats, tighter immigration policies and economic 
challenges have impacted the decision-making process of skilled migrants considering 
relocation to the country. Through qualitative research, 16 semi-structured interviews were 
conducted with skilled migrants, revealing that their relocation decisions are not solely based on external conditions, as the frequently used push and pull theory suggests. Instead, this study found that skilled migrants often make their decisions based on a comprehensive assessment of risks and rewards. Participants often engage in a more nuanced decisionmaking process, comparing the risks in Sweden to those in their home countries while also considering pull factors like Sweden's well-developed social welfare system, high quality of life, and progressive social policies. Although recent socio-political changes in Sweden have increased perceived risks, these factors have not significantly hindered the overall migration intentions of skilled migrants. 

This study extends the push-pull model by incorporating a factor called emotional responses to perceived risks, emphasising the moderating role of risk perception in migration decisions. This theoretical contribution provides a more nuanced understanding of migration dynamics, highlighting the psychological and emotional factors that influence skilled migrants. In addition, our study finds that despite undergoing major socio-political transformations, Sweden's strong national brand image continues to exert a powerful influence in attracting potential skilled migrants.}},
  author       = {{Wu, Xuan and Yar, Hanna}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Evaluating Socio-Political Changes: The Decision-Making Process of Skilled Migrants Relocating to Sweden}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}