Abstract

AbstractThis chapter describes how the Estonian state’s diaspora policy has moved away from being purely culture-centred towards a more business-focused initiative. The policy has undergone few changes during the last decade and still does not focus on social protection. The state does offer basic social protection and consular services by agreement with a few countries, such as the Russian Federation. The lack of Estonian state provided social protection to nationals abroad is counteracted, in some countries, by localized national organizations which the Estonian state may or may not fund. However, an important shift is taking place in the provision of Estonian language courses and cultural programmes to support returnees and their non-Estonian family members.

Highlights

  • This chapter focuses on Estonian policies oriented towards nationals abroad

  • The main premise is that the Estonian diaspora policy has largely been culture and language focused and paid little attention to social protection

  • According to the evaluation report of the Program for Compatriots (Rahvuskaaslaste Programm), a survey conducted in 2015 found that 72% of Estonians living abroad do not feel that the Estonian state needs them and 43% do not feel that there is a positive attitude towards Estonians in Estonia

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Summary

Diaspora Policy Infrastructure and Key Policies

This chapter focuses on Estonian policies oriented towards nationals abroad. The main premise is that the Estonian diaspora policy has largely been culture and language focused and paid little attention to social protection. We suggest that the focus is shifting away from language and culture and becoming more business oriented, with initiatives such as the e-residency and the Global Estonian Network. The diaspora in this context is seen as useful for reviving the country’s economy and providing access to foreign markets. Estonian policies have been geared towards supporting outmigration and treating return migration as a natural part of the process This is evident, for instance, from the Social Minister Hanno Pevkur who claimed in 2010 the outmigration of Estonians was not a problem and was mostly related to economic issues.

The Estonian Diaspora and Its Relations with the Homeland
Diaspora Infrastructure
Key Engagement Policies
Diaspora Policies and Social Protection in Estonia
Unemployment
Health Care
Pensions
Family-Related Benefits
Economic Hardship
Findings
Conclusions

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