ISLAMABAD: A large number of Pakistanis migrating to other countries say if there were better job opportunities in the country they would stay back, according to a survey published recently. A small percentage says if there was quality education they would prefer to remain in the country.

These findings emerged from a survey on whatdrives Pakistanis to emigrate which was carried out by the UN`s International Office for Migration. The data was collected in January of this year and was based on interviews of 761 persons in 19 districts.

Participants were asked what would need to change in Pakistan for them to consider staying in the country. In response 65 per cent said better job opportunities and 20pc better education. But 19pc said they would not reverse their decision to leave Pakistan even if positive changes occurred in the country.

Fifty-eight per cent reported that they would consider staying given theopportunity to work, 42pc if they had the opportunity to study and 46pc if the security situation were better.

Lack of livelihood opportunities, financial problems and poor quality education were cited as the top reasons for migrating.

Thirty-nine per cent decided to migrate because of lack of jobs, 12pc due to financial problems and debts, 8pc to join friends or family outside of Pakistan and 14pc because of general educational opportunities.

When asked about specific moments or events that triggered their final decision to migrate, 22pc reported that their familydecided for them to migrate, 18pc were encouraged by family members or friends who had already migrated to join them abroad and 16pc were told by family members living abroad that the quality of life outside Pakistan is good.

Twenty-one per cent decided to migrate after be coming unemploye d.

The majority of respondents chose to migrate to countries in the AsiaPacific region, the EU and Turkey and the Gulf due to job opportunities in those destinations (23pc, 20pc and 62pc) and having relatives or friends already in those destinations (20pc, 21pc and 18pc).