Resumo

MINAYE, Abebaw  e  ZELEKE, Waganesh A.. Attitude, Risk Perception and Readiness of Ethiopian Potential Migrants and Returnees Towards Unsafe Migration. AHMR [online]. 2017, vol.3, n.1, pp.702-731. ISSN 2410-7972.

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. Potential migrants favour illegal migration more so than returnees. The level of risk perception of returnee migrants and the level of readiness for migration to the Middle East of both potential and returnee migrants was found to be below the expected mean score. Gender differences in the level of risk perception and readiness were also observed. Female participants tended to see the risks associated with unsafe migration less than male returnee migrants; female participants indicated a lower level of readiness than their male counterparts. Results imply a need to work on the level of behaviour change communication and to focus on attitude and practice change rather than mere awareness-raising. The results also imply the need to create actual jobs that can keep people from choosing unsafe migration.

Palavras-chave : Ethiopia; migrants; attitude; risk-perception; readiness.

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