Should I Stay or Should I Go? Mapping the Key Drivers of Skilled Migration Using Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Methodology

The emigration of highly skilled individuals has become a critical concern for many countries amid increasing global labor mobility. This study employs the Improved Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (IF-SWARA) method within a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (FMCDM) framework to identify and prioritize the key drivers of skilled migration. Drawing on opinions from sixteen Turkish emigrants currently residing abroad, the study captures firsthand perspectives on the structural factors influencing their migration decisions. The results indicate that the most influential factors are workplace conditions, living standards, and academic standards. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of brain drain and highlight the necessity for comprehensive policy approaches that address both push and pull dynamics. By systematically ranking these determinants, the study contributes to the growing body of evidence-based research on international human capital flows.