Push–pull factors influencing international return migration intentions: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review motivational factors driving migration return by assessing both push and pull factors that influence return intentions. The study aims to expand current literature of migration return, and proposes a conceptual framework. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted to determine the push–pull factors that influence international return migration. The authors did a comprehensive search of electronic databases using relevant key terms. Findings The findings highlight motivational factors in detail and classify them into three categories: economic, psychological and situational. Most of the literature concerning motives of migration return discussed economic and psychological as the two major factors, but here other motivational factors are presented, which are named as situational factors in this study. Research limitations/implications The paper adopts a systematic literature review method to probe into existing literature, inevitably lacking some empirical studies; thus, the results may not be generalizable. Therefore, future research is suggested to test the proposed propositions. Practical implications The paper offers compelling propositions, which could be a useful reference for migrants’ repatriation motives. It will shed light on motivational factors beyond economic and physiological factors. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide a comprehensive review of motivational factors of migration return using push–pull theory and propose beyond psychological and economic factors.