Abstract
This article examines the relationship between irregular migration, access to information and migration decisions. Using semi-structured interviews of thirty irregular return migrants who failed to reach their European destinations through Libya, I show that irregular return migrants from Ghana rely predominantly on interpersonal sources, including colleagues, neighbors, friends and relatives, for information on migration. Return migrants seek information from those who have relevant experience with that kind of migration. Existing research focuses on information from ‘formal’ sources such as traditional print media, social media, library or workshops. Here I argue that this focus on access to information conceals the activities and practices of irregular return migrants who perceive European destinations as ‘greener pastures’ and seek information to travel through dangerous routes. Most irregular return migrants interviewed in this study indicated they had access to information from ‘informal’ sources often shared as ‘jokes.’ Although irregular return migrants perceive the information they gather through their everyday activities as reliable, their interactions involve complex and unstructured social processes.
Highlights
The persistent and increasing trends of irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa with the desire to migrate to European countries (Clemens, 2014; de Haas, 2007; Skeldon, 1997) should be viewed in broader contexts to include the critical role of information sharing on decision-making
This study investigates information sharing and decisionmaking processes of irregular return migrants
A majority of irregular return migrants rely on interpersonal sources such as coworkers, neighbors, friends and family to alternatively provide them with information
Summary
The persistent and increasing trends of irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa with the desire to migrate to European countries (Clemens, 2014; de Haas, 2007; Skeldon, 1997) should be viewed in broader contexts to include the critical role of information sharing on decision-making. There is a plethora of studies on migration information, people who decide to migrate irregularly share information with others who have that kind of migration experience because ‘formal’ sources may not have information on dangerous, irregular routes. Other studies have pointed out the need for rigorous research on migration within Africa (Agadjanian, 2008) and increased knowledge on trends of sub-Saharan African migration into Gulf countries (Atong, Mayah, & Odigie, 2018). I examine how irregular return migrants and intermediaries use information from prior travels as alternative resources when faced with difficulties in obtaining ‘formal’ information or are skeptical of formal avenues of information access
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