Abstract:

Migration is generally understood to be a natural both positive and negative phenomenon, but it is important to study and monitor it in order to maintain its positive effect on society and eliminate any adverse effects. Globalization, greater economic integration of countries, the development of technology and transport infrastructure, and the dismantling of political barriers, as well as other factors such as changes in demographic structure of population, and in the gender position of women undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing labour migration boom in Europe and in the whole world. Under the conditions of the Slovak Republic, labour migration does not currently have a significant impact on the total population, but rather represents a qualitative problem due to the brain drain, and the outflow of the qualified workers. One of the obvious reasons why the UK as a host country has long been attractive to migrant Slovaks is, above all, widespread knowledge of the English language, which breaks down the language barrier. However, what were the real motives for the migration of Slovaks who currently live in the UK, what possible factors could motivate them to return to Slovakia and what are their intentions about returning home? We believe that answers to these questions could increase Slovakia's potential for influencing migratory flows of Slovak workers through migration programs. In a questionnaire survey conducted on a sample of 156 Slovaks living in the UK, it was examined whether the migration theory of push and pull factors is valid for a selected sample of respondents or whether their migration motives were more personal and the social- economic conditions in the sending country had no significant impact on their decisions.