Factors influencing labor turnover in the public sector: a case of the immigration department

This study seeks to examine the factors influencing labour turnover in the Public Sector with the Immigration Department as its case study. The study investigates the factors that account to employees’ retention; the causes of employee exit, examination of the retention strategies and the attitudes of employees related to staying or leaving an Organization. The theoretical literature review reveals that dissatisfaction is associated with labour turnover. In an organization, employees have individual taste of expectations, when those expectations are unmet, the result is dissatisfaction. The study involved a sample of 60 respondents from Immigration Headquarter, Immigration Regional office, and Mwalimu Nyerere International Airport. Documentary research, questionnaire and interview were used in collecting data and Content analysis was used in analysing data with the assistance of Software Package for Statistical Science (SPSS). Study results showed that low wages, unfair treatment between employees on deciding their rights specifically in the selection for scholarships, promotion and provision of allowances and incentives. Availability of alternative employers and poor working environment are also the factors that contribute to turnover. In order to retain employees the study suggests that, the Organization should have just and fair policies to govern the selection for scholarships, promotion should be done as stipulated in Public Service Act of 2002, thorough salary structure review should be done so as to match income with the prevailing economic conditions.