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.
