- Nearly six in 10 Sierra Leoneans (57%) say they have considered leaving their country, including 38% who say they have given “a lot” of thought to emigration (Figure 1). o Thoughts of emigration are most common among the most educated (73% of those with post-secondary education) and those who are currently unemployed (72%) (Figure 2). o Well-off citizens (65% of those experiencing no or low lived poverty), young Sierra Leoneans(64% of 18- to 35-year-olds), and urbanites (63%) are more likely to consider emigration compared to their counterparts.
- The most common reasons cited for emigration are finding better work opportunities (55%) and escaping economic hardship (31%) (Figure 3).
- North America (59%) and Europe (16%) are the most popular destinations for potential emigrants (Figure 4).
Nearly six in 10 citizens have considered leaving Sierra Leone, according to the latest Afrobarometer survey.
The top two reasons cited for moving abroad are finding employment opportunities and escaping economic hardship.
Highly educated, unemployed, and young Sierra Leoneans are most likely to consider emigration.
Survey findings from March-April 2025 show that North America (United States or Canada) is the preferred destination for a majority of potential emigrants, followed by one-sixth who would want to go to Europe. However, in June US President Donald Trump issued an executive order imposing a partial travel ban on Sierra Leone, citing high visa overstay rates,
Contact
Language
Keywords
Countries
Regions