Motives, Factors, and Finality of Return Migration from Germany to Croatia

Abstract

The research aims to determine the motives, finality of return, and the importance of geographical proximity of the country of origin and destination for return migration of Croatian citizens who immigrated to Germany after Croatia's accession to the EU. The main motives for the return of the respondents are the fulfilment of a goal abroad, connection to Croatia, and dissatisfaction with German society. The respondents are connected to Croatia by family, friends, and love for their homeland, but not by economic conditions, which were pointed out as a possible push factor for reemigration from Croatia in the future. In the case of going abroad again, some respondents might consider Austria, in addition to Germany, due to its geographical proximity to Croatia. The experiences of the respondents showed that more effective population policies are needed, especially related to housing and labour policies, and a better standard of living, which were mentioned as strong push factors for emigration from Croatia.