The “JAPA” Syndrome: Migration Intentions among Graduates in the University of Ghana Post-Covid-19.

Abstract

Migration in Ghana is not a recent phenomenon—it has been there for ages. But since colonialism ended, people's mobility both inside and outside of the continent has increased attributive to different factors. The recent advent of COVID poses a threat to influencing the trend of migrations. As such, the main objective is to explore the migration intentions of graduates in the post-COVID era. It specifically sought to understand the post-covid-19 migration intentions of potential graduate migrants; examine the factors influencing their migration intentions; and assess the migration challenges and they mitigate those challenges. Data was collected through a mixed methods approach. The quantitative aspect surveyed 516 graduate students while the qualitative aspect involved an interview with 2 graduate migrants (one male and one female) a focus group discussion with 16 graduate students (8 males and 8 females) in groups of 4. The results show that graduates’ intentions to migrate have increased after COVID-19. Most graduates were keen and determined to leave Ghana in search of better lives overseas. The factors influencing their migration intentions included the desire for an improved standard of life, employment opportunities, and potential for further education. Furthermore, the results showed that the major challenge in migrating were financial constraints and stringent visa application processes. The study's conclusions highlight the need for the Ministry of Youth and Employment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider the goals, passions, and difficulties faced by young people who aspire to immigrate overseas in creating employment opportunities that can improve the standard of living of the average youth.