Return migration to West Sumatra

Even though out-migration from West Sumatra is relatively well understood, there are only a few studies on return migration to West Sumatra. Filling this gap in West Sumatran migration literature, this study aims to examine return migrants to West Sumatra and compare them with other types of migrants in the country. Using 2015 Intercensal Population Survey (SUPAS) data and some regional aggregate data collected from various official data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), this study not only focuses on return migrant selectivity but also the effects of contextual factors on different types of migration and the main reason for moving. The study found that return migrants tend to be younger, unmarried, and employed, and in terms of regional characteristics, it seems that those who return are from more developed areas than West Sumatra and with greater distances. Regarding the reasons for moving, return migrants tend to move for other reasons such as family reasons and other personal reasons while other migrants move for educational reasons.