Migrating from Greece to Germany after 2010: a qualitative approach

Abstract

Greece was severely hit by financial crisis in 2009. Outward migration flows that already existed for decades were then intensified and escalated. Those flows were, mostly, towards other European countries and also others. Among all those countries, Germany has been receiving many new Greek migrants, and is widely considered a top destination for Greek migrants. Though a qualitative approach (online interviews) and with references to existing scholarship, the study attempts to investigate five main topics concerning Greek migrants in Germany. First, the reasons that motivated, pushed or made the participants emigrate to Germany. Second, their reflections on their life in Germany. Third, whether their decision to migrate to Germany is a permanent one. Forth, what would make repatriation a possibility for them. Finally, what are their desires and plans for the future. Push and pull factors seem to be very important in the decision-making processes of the informants. Family and social networks also play major role for members of the sample in terms of deciding to migrate, choosing Germany as destination, and adjusting to their new social environment in the receiving country. The empirical evidence from the research, confirm existing theory to a great extend and raise many important parameters. Such parameters are specific economic and social factors, along with participants’ personal perceptions.