Intentions to Return and Migrate to the Third Countries: A Socio-Demographic Investigation Among Syrians in Turkey

Abstract

Turkey hosts the highest number of Syrians in the world. While some of them intend to migrate to Western countries, others intend to return to their homeland. In a cross-sectional study, we examined several socio-demographic associates with their migration intentions (N = 358). Results revealed that their intentions to migrate were related to factors such as gender, living in the East or West in the host country, employment status, the language spoken at home, owning a property in the host country, accommodation conditions (living in a camp, staying with relatives, e.g.), and education level. Moreover, the strongest correlates of intention to return were years spent in Turkey, perceived threat in Syria, the number of children, and age. Finally, the strongest correlates for intentions to migrate to Western countries were Turkish speaking level, the number of children, and family income. We discuss the findings in relation to the integration paradox hypothesis.