The charts compare the principal reasons why people immigrated to and emigrated from a European country in 2009.
Overall, employment-related factors were the dominant motivation in both directions, although family reasons were more significant for immigration to the country, while definite job offers strongly influenced emigration.
Regarding immigration to the country, accompanying or joining family members accounted for the largest proportion, at 25%. This was followed by people arriving with a definite job (23%). Equal shares of immigrants moved for study, to seek employment, or for other reasons, each representing 15%, while only a small minority cited no specific reason.
In contrast, emigration was driven predominantly by employment opportunities, with 38% of people leaving for a definite job. Other reasons made up nearly a quarter of departures, whereas family-related motives were notably less common than for immigration, at 15%. Studying and job-seeking accounted for relatively small proportions, and very few emigrants left without a stated reason.