An investigation of determinants of youth propensity to emigrate from Bosnia and Herzegovina

This trend is particularly pronounced among the youth, with those under the age of 30 being more likely to consider leaving the country than their older counterparts. A study using data from USAID's National Survey of Citizens Perceptions from 2017 investigated the main determinants of emigration from Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a focus on the youth. The study employed probit regressions to analyze the attitudes and perceptions related to emigration among two groups: youth under the age of 30 and the rest of the respondents. The analysis included socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, their sentiment and satisfaction with life conditions, public services, and government. The results showed that dissatisfaction with public services and a high level of corruption had a significant positive effect on the tendency to leave the country. A key finding of the study was the significant positive effect of corruption on the propensity to emigrate, particularly among the youth. The estimation of interaction effects revealed that corruption was a more prominent reason for emigration among the youth than among older respondents. This suggests that addressing corruption and improving the quality of public services are crucial in reducing the trend of emigration from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study's findings have important implications for policymakers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Improving the quality of public services and reducing corruption are essential steps in addressing the root causes of emigration among the youth. By addressing these issues, the government can help to reduce the trend of emigration and promote economic development and stability in the country. The study's results also highlight the need for targeted policies aimed at improving the living conditions and opportunities for the youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study's methodology involved using a survey of citizens' perceptions to gather data on attitudes and perceptions related to emigration. The survey was conducted in 2017 and included a representative sample of the population. The study's results are based on the analysis of this data, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of emigration from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study's findings are relevant to policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex issues surrounding emigration from Bosnia and Herzegovina.