AN ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING REPATRIATION OF AFGHAN REFUGEES FROM PAKISTAN

Abstract

Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for almost four decades. These refugees are a burden on resources of country, hence Pakistan introduced repatriation of refugees with assistance of humanitarian organizations, but desired success not yet achieved. This study focused on "An analysis of economic factors influencing repatriation of the Afghan refugees from Pakistan”, therefore, utilized cross-sectional design to measure association between economic factors and expatriation. Study applied quantitative survey method to collect data through questionnaire. The simple random technique used to approach samples in population. Variables measured by the items selected from four different instruments. Data were analyzed with regression using SmartPLS. The results explored that productivity, labour market integration and access to shelter as indicators of economic factors for Afghan refugees in Pakistan are significantly associated with expatriation in presence of the mediating variable (economic well-being). Hence, a pull force of economic factors in Pakistan attracts them to stay in host country and avoid repatriation to homeland.