Pakistan to Malaysia: What Expectations Behind Migration?

• DOI: 10.1007/s12134-021-00860-y
• Publication Date: 2021-06-26T05:02:37Z
• Authors: Zermina Tasleem; Sohail Ayaz Muhammad; Mohd Na’eim Ajis; Nor Azizah Zainal...
• Keywords: 8. Economic growth; 05 social sciences; 0507 social and economic geography

Relatively little is known regarding the key migration intentions of Pakistanis to Malaysia, including their pre-migration expectations, which are proximate determining factors of migration. This study explores the pre-migration expectations of Pakistanis in the area of Klang Valley with a focus on the documented labourer group. The push–pull theory and migrant network theory have been included to better understand the driver complexes of migration decisions. Such drivers design the circumstances and conditions within which individuals decide to migrate or stay put. A qualitative study was conducted through the semi-structured interviews between March and September 2019 from 24 Pakistani migrant labourers in Malaysia and thematic analysis showed that remarkably different pre-migration expectations were the reason for migration decision-making and intentions. The strikingly pre-migration expectations depicted from Pakistani migrant labourers are job opportunities, to earn more money, secure and safe environment, better facilities, fewer inflation rates and good governance. These pre-migration expectations were a potent determinant of migration from Pakistan to Malaysia. Hence, this study reports the experiences of migrants that may serve as a guide to those with intentions to migrate.