Mass emigration from Kosovo: Low wages cited as main reason

According to the latest survey conducted by Ubo Consulting for n’T7, as many as 60 percent of Kosovo’s citizens cite low wages and poor working conditions as the main reason for leaving the country, while a safer future for their children and unemployment also rank among the top motives, Gazeta Express reports.

The survey, conducted between June 9 and 18 on a sample of 1,065 respondents across Kosovo, revealed the key factors driving citizens to consider emigration. The results show that economic reasons are by far the strongest motivator—60 percent of respondents are leaving due to low wages and poor working conditions.

The second most common reason is the pursuit of a better and safer life for their children, cited by 50 percent of those surveyed. High unemployment and lack of job opportunities motivate 38 percent of respondents to consider leaving.

Political instability and an uncertain future are a concern for 35 percent of citizens, while 33 percent highlight the lack of prospects for personal and professional development. Poor quality of the education and healthcare systems was mentioned by 32 percent of participants.

Although corruption is often mentioned in public discourse, the research shows that only 30 percent of citizens see it as a decisive factor for leaving. The influence of family already living abroad has the least impact—just 21 percent of respondents consider it a key reason.