Economic Migration Research Articles

Frontiers of Legal Protection

In a globalized world, prioritizing capitalism, democracy, and human rights, economic migration has become common trend for both skilled and unskilled workers. Kenya and Saudi Arabia have longstanding bilateral relations, resulting in increased migration of Kenyan domestic workers to Saudi Arabia. However, this has also led to rising human rights violations. This article assesses the efficacy of Kenya's legal regime in the provision of the security of domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. It explores the relationship between Kenya’s legal framework and its practical implementation in guaranteeing their security. In its methodology, it utilises a qualitative approach, conducting interviews with returnee domestic workers, Kenyan domestic workers currently in Saudi Arabia, recruitment agency officials, and personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labour. The findings highlight significant gaps in Kenya's legal framework and its enforcement, which hinder the protection of domestic workers abroad. It concludes with recommendations to strengthen Kenya’s legal protections and improve the security of its migrant workers.

The Roots of Populism in Poland Do Uneven Economic Development, Social Transfers, Inequality and Migration Explain the Success of Populist Parties?

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we investigate the socio‐economic factors affecting the electoral outcomes of the populist parties in Poland. According to estimation results, the re‐election of Law and Justice in 2019 can be explained by changes in economic conditions. Slow dynamics of municipality revenues from the personal income tax, depopulation, and social transfers are crucial drivers of its success. Contrary to Western Europe, the effects of immigration and inequality on the outcomes of populist parties in Poland are not statistically significant. Populist parties were successful in gaining support in areas, which traditionally did not vote for them.

Assessing the effect of international migration on the livelihood of the Bini people of Edo State, Nigeria

This study investigates the impact of international migration on the Bini people of Edo State, Nigeria who are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, arts and historical migration patterns. The primary objective is assessing how international migration affects their economic and social life. This study posits that migration is primarily motivated by the search for better employment opportunities with individuals making well-considered decisions to enhance their economic prospects using neoclassical theory. Furthermore, the new economic migration theory is applied to examine the broader impacts of migration on the Bini community’s lifestyle in Edo South. Data for this research were gathered through focused group interviews and structured questionnaires. A linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the role of remittances in the community’s economic dynamics. The analysis indicates that remittances are crucial in shaping the Bini people’s economic activities. It also suggests that these remittances should be strategically invested in business ventures to maximise the benefits. This study concludes that international migration plays a significant role in improving the livelihood of the Bini people enhancing their economic stability and growth. The findings highlight the need to channel remittances effectively into productive investments to benefit the community. The Bini people can better leverage the economic advantages provided by international migration leading to sustained community development and economic resilience by strategically investing in business ventures.

Level of Adaptavity of Polish Families on Emigration in the Netherlands in the perception of children

Objectives The aim of empirical analyses was to identify the level of the adaptivity of families from a perspective of a child who has found him- or herself in one of the following situations: one parent has migrated, both parents have migrated without taking the child with them, or an entire family has migrated. Material and methods In total 320 children of Polish descent were subjected to the study. They lived in Poland (N=200) or in the Netherlands (N=120) and experienced economic migration of the members of their family or of their entire families. Results The results of the research revealed that most migrant families subjected to the study (both in the Polish and the Dutch sample) fall into the structured and flexible systems exhibiting characteristics that are relatively beneficial for a child’s social and psychological development. Conclusions The presented research results make it possible to formulate indications regarding institutional and legal support for families and children in case of both emigration and return to the homeland. Initial actions may be directed towards the creation of environmental forms of compensating separation, followed by the creation of the environmental system of assistance which would be preventive in nature and involve reaching people who plan migration and assist them before they actually move out of Poland

Migrant people, (in)mobility and art on a borderland: Tijuana, Mexico

Abstract By examining the border town of Tijuana, Mexico, we explore the artistic production in this distinctive migratory landscape. We seek to answer a central question: What insights does art provide about migration that traditional social sciences do not? Due to its geopolitical location, Tijuana serves as a crossroads for thousands of individuals who confront the stark contrast between their aspirations to enter the United States and the harsh realities of border securitization that impede their access. These contradictions create a fertile environment for diverse and rich artistic expression. We highlight three key moments that establish Tijuana as a vibrant hub attracting artists from around the globe. Among these moments, we focus more deeply on one that emphasizes the active participation of migrants in artistic projects initiated by Civil Society Organizations and migrant shelters. Notably, we examine the project “Jugamos a Leer” (Let’s Play to Read), which employs reading and playful, creative writing as pedagogical tools. This project aims to foster peace, identity, belonging, and memory among groups facing vulnerable circumstances, especially within migrant communities. We believe these projects enable individuals to present themselves as whole persons rather than being confined to a single identity, such as “deported,” “asylum seeker,” or “economic migrant.” These inclusive spaces allow participants to temporarily set aside their everyday challenges. Furthermore, by appealing to a fundamental aspect of humanity—creativity—participants, including those migrating without proper documents and those awaiting immigration procedures, can recognize and connect with each other’s humanity.

A prevention approach to undocumented forms of migration across the Mediterranean Sea: a critical assessment from Italy

This article is aimed at providing a solid empirical basis which can inspire the development of more informed strategies in the field of prevention of undocumented forms of migration across the Mediterranean. Besides, more traditional forms of human smuggling and trafficking, a new phenomenon has emerged especially along the Central Mediterranean route, i.e. trafficking in itinere, which affects people who had originally sought irregular travel services but then ended up in being kidnapped, tortured and kept in detention centres during their migratory path. Therefore, their irregular journey to Europe becomes the only way to survive. The methodology adopted draws from in-depth interviews with experts in Italy – especially prosecutors, law enforcements officers, representatives of NGOs and journalists -, the analysis of institutional reports and sources, as well as biographical accounts provided by migrants. The analysis critically addresses the countereffects produced by the hardening of borders and militarisation of sea routes in the Mediterranean area especially in terms of enhancement of the smuggling industry, increased human rights violations and clandestinization of migrants whose experiences and knowledge are too often underrepresented or misrepresented in the public debate. This results in a negative impact on migration policy-making and on the adoption of more effective measures aimed at addressing the governance of borders and the reception system in the EU. In conclusion, some recommendations are made, which call for a reconsideration of the distinction between economic and political migrants, an enhancement of the right to migrate which can guarantee safer forms of mobility toward the EU, a serious reconsideration of the politics of externalization of European borders with its extremely severe costs in terms of human rights, and a stronger valorisation of migrants’ actual needs, expectations and projects in the design of more effective policies aimed at improving the overall EU reception system.

Employment‐based visas: The inflexible U.S. Visa regime and the impact(s) on immigrant labour market integration

AbstractEconomic migrants play an important role in the fiscal stability of the United States. Focusing on economic‐based (EB) green cards, our work presents an incongruence between labour demands of the American economy and the supply of highly skilled economic migrants. Using data from the United States Department of Justice and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) from 1971 to 2000 as well as data from the 1990 to 2022 Visa Bulletins, we show that visa caps have meant that migrants from countries like China, India and the Philippines have had to wait between 12 and 15 years for their visas to be processed. We also show that the visa backlog accelerated in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s despite the labour demands of the American economy. Currently, there are over 1.2 million people in the EB visa queue. Our work lays out the complexities of the visa system and advances policy recommendations to alleviate backlogs.

The Impact of E-commerce Development on Regional Economy, Household Income, and Population Mobility: An Empirical Study Based on Zhejiang Province from 2000 to 2021

This study explores the impact of e-commerce development on regional economic growth, household income, and population mobility in Zhejiang Province from 2000 to 2021. Using a dynamic panel data model, the paper analyzes the influence of e-commerce, measured by Taobao Villages, on economic performance and migration patterns across counties. The results reveal a significant negative correlation between e-commerce development and economic growth, suggesting that in the short term, the increase in operational costs may outweigh the benefits. However, e-commerce significantly enhances the income of both urban and rural residents and indirectly influences population mobility by attracting labor back to small and medium-sized cities and rural areas. This study provides critical insights for policymakers in balancing the economic impacts of e-commerce and addressing population dynamics.

Identity Through Two Lenses: The Slovak Minority’s Self and External Views in Poland

This study examines the ethnic identity of the Slovak minority in Poland, focusing on their self-identification and external perceptions. It explores the fluid and dynamic nature of ethnic identity, drawing on theoretical perspectives from scholars such as Babiński and Isajiw. The historical context is analysed, tracing the Slovak minority’s presence in Poland to economic migrations before 1918. Employing a diagnostic survey method, the research investigates the perceptions of both Slovaks and Poles, offering a comparative analysis. The findings suggest that the core elements of the Slovak minority’s identity are rooted in language, traditions, culture, and religion. Despite successful integration and generally positive recognition in Polish society, certain stereotypes and biases persist. The study highlights the dual nature of this identity, where acceptance is accompanied by lingering cultural misconceptions. The research emphasizes the critical role of media and educational institutions in promoting tolerance and understanding of ethnic minorities. It advocates for more active involvement of these institutions in fostering inclusivity and shaping public attitudes, thereby contributing to developing a more culturally diverse and cohesive society in Poland.

Migration, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Implications for ‘Japa’ Syndrome in Selected Post-Colonial Texts

Migration has become a prevalent strategy for vulnerable women and girls seeking better opportunities. This study examines the intricate relationship between migration, human trafficking, and modern slavery through a qualitative approach, utilising Dressel & MacDonald (2018) and George & Bennett's (2005) comparative textual analysis. By analysing Nawal El Sadaawi’s Woman at Point Zero (2015) and Patricia McCormick’s Sold (2006), the study highlights the vulnerabilities faced by characters Firdaus and Lakshmi, paralleling the experiences of Nigerian women pursuing 'Japa' (emigration). Crenshaw's (2013) Intersectionality theory provides the framework for understanding these complexities. The study indicates a significant risk of exploitation during migration, emphasising the struggles for agency amidst economic migration. The study calls for increased awareness, education, and policy interventions to address the risks of 'Japa,' human trafficking, and modern slavery, advocating for systemic changes to protect and empower women.

American Attitudes Toward Climate Migrants: Findings from a Conjoint Experiment

ABSTRACT The dramatic impacts of climate change presage an inevitable surge in mass migration; however, advanced democracies are ill-equipped for this impending crisis. Moreover, we know very little about how publics evaluate this group of prospective migrants, who are estimated to increase from 100 million to 200 million worldwide within decades. This study investigates American attitudes toward climate-related migrants in a conjoint experiment of more than 1,000 US adults, in which respondents evaluated fictional refugee profiles that varied across multiple attributes. Findings reveal that Americans (1) prefer political refugees over climate-related refugees; and (2) prefer climate-related and economic migrants to a similar extent, and that these preferences are not driven by concerns over climate-related refugees’ integration into American society. Subgroup analyses indicate that younger individuals, those with high climate-change anxiety, and those who previously engaged in climate-related political activities discriminated less against climate-related migrants. Analyses of open-ended responses reveal that climate anxiety is a driver of positive evaluations of climate-related migrants.

Beyond Migration Categories: Amity, Conviviality and Mutuality in South Africa

Our ethnographic fieldwork with Congolese and Zimbabwean economic migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and educational migrants reveals a complex narrative of exclusion and inclusion in South Africa. Frontier Africans – South African citizens and African transmigrants alike – initiate and maintain connections that create a vexing and entangled narrative of hard and soft borders. A deeper consideration of how South African citizens and African transmigrants subvert and transcend state-centric categorisation of citizen and migrant other, through amity, conviviality and mutuality – a process of humaning – harasses the alignment of political categorisation with analytical elucidation.

The state of malaria in a rural-mission hospital in Nkhoma, Malawi

Introduction: In recent times, malaria has fallen out of the limelight due to an economical migration of populations into medium and higher income settings. Despite this, it remains endemic in 31 countries with 228 million cases per annum. In Malawi, the WHO have reported that all of its citizens are at risk of contracting the disease. In this study we hope to expand on the clinical data available at a rural mission hospital in Malawi, as well as highlight some of the external global health factors in such environments. Methods: An observational retrospective cohort study looking at severe malaria admission in a paediatric population was conducted. The Nkhoma hospital Paediatric department was the centre of the data collection which focused on the diagnosis of severe malaria, as well as the signs and symptoms and treatment regimens of same. Results: Severe malaria accounted for over 40% of all paediatric admissions in the month of May 2019. Patients suffered from anaemia (80%) and cerebral malaria (41%), as well as a host of generalised symptoms such as fever (95%), vomiting (36%), malaise (30%), and diarrhoea (21%). Promisingly, a strict and comprehensive treatment regime for severe malaria was in practice with artesunate, Lumefantrine used in ~100% of cases. Conclusion: Sadly, malaria continues to create horrendous amounts of morbidity and mortality, but our united commitment to eradicating malaria is stronger than ever.

Residential Segregation of Foreign Immigrants in South Korea by Country‐of‐Birth Income

ABSTRACTThis study examines changes in spatial distribution and residential segregation patterns of immigrant groups in South Korea from 2008 to 2021. Since the mid‐1990s, the immigrant community has increased rapidly; however, geographical stratification has intensified among heterogeneous immigrant groups. Foreign immigrants from 195 countries are divided into four groups based on the average income in the country of birth. Dissimilarity and multigroup entropy indices were adopted to explore the aspatial aspects of immigrant segregation. Exploratory spatial data analysis was used to examine the spatial separation of foreign clusters. The implications of these results are threefold. First, immigrant residential segregation is as serious as in developed countries and has deepened. Second, immigrants from advanced economies are concentrated in Seoul, while immigrants from upper‐middle economies are clustered in the southwestern part of the capital region. In contrast, immigrants born in lower‐middle class and underdeveloped countries are distributed among rural and manufacturing areas in the non‐capital region. Finally, the differences in the course of economic migration according to socioeconomic background are considered to be the decisive cause of the spatial segregation of immigrants. This study challenges policymakers engaged in integrating immigrant communities in South Korea.

Understanding the barriers and facilitators related to never treatment during mass drug administration among mobile and migrant populations in Mali: a qualitative exploratory study

IntroductionFive of the neglected tropical diseases use a strategy of preventative chemotherapy distributed via mass drug administration (MDA) for all eligible people living in endemic areas. To be successful, high...

Effect of Rural Banditry on Food Security and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

This research investigates how rural banditry hinders sustainable food security and poverty reductions in Nigeria. The Food and Agricultural Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, the National Bureau of Statistics, the United Nations Development Programme, scholarly journals, and field surveys were the sources from which the data were gathered. Three hundred questionnaires were administered to farmers in six states via Plateau, Nassarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Oyo and Niger, in addition to a focused group discussion with selected farmers in each of the study areas. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that unemployment, poverty, poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient security measures and lack of effective institutional coordination, create a network of individuals who support or engage in banditry; farmers experienced disruptions in farming activities, psychological distresses and loss of livestock. Among the socio-economic impacts of banditry include: loss of income and economic opportunities, displacement and migration of the rural population, reduced productivity and infrastructural degradation. These led to food shortages, hikes in food prices, malnutrition and increased poverty level in Nigeria. This study emphasizes the urgent need by the federal and state governments to tackle the problems of unemployment and poverty; develop infrastructure; increase security expenditure; and implement targeted rural development policies. These solutions will curb rural banditry, ensure food security and reduce poverty in Nigeria. Keywords: Rural Banditry, food security, poverty reduction, food production, development policies, farmers.

Refugees in the Global North: dynamics, dilemmas, and constructive engagement.

The movement of refugees across borders has become a persistent feature of contemporary global society. Despite the protections offered by the 1951 Refugee Convention, which has been ratified by some 146 states, countries in the Global North have adopted a variety of contradictory and incoherent policy responses to refugees and migrants. These responses have been influenced by anti-immigrant public sentiment and growing popular demands to restrict and manage cross-border movements. The dynamics and dilemmas of contemporary refugee movements and policy responses create challenges for advocates and practitioners. Refugee policies have been complicated by the phenomenon of 'mixed migration', where migratory patterns reflect the intersection of economic choices and forced migration. Within this context, we propose that policies of many prosperous countries, which thus far focus almost exclusively on restriction, be guided by considerations of shared responsibility and human dignity.

The quest for a partner in the past and today: exploring trends and drivers in partner preferences and selection through new sources and approaches

ABSTRACT Society - and the way it is organized - along with families, shapes who is available and suitable as a partner, who we encounter, what traits we seek in a partner, and who we form relationships with. In turn, our partner choices impact society at large. Given this bidirectional relationship, partner selection is expected to evolve alongside broader societal changes influenced by factors such as economic shifts, wars, migration, and sociocultural transformations like secularization, feminist movements, and sexual revolutions. The central question of this special issue is how societal transformations have influenced long-term trends in partner preferences and choices. This is being explored through new sources - online genealogies, matrimonial and contact advertisements, data from marriage agencies and dating apps – and approaches.

Imperial Residues and the Birth of the Russian Federation: Maternal Care, Racialization and Economic Migration in <em>Ayka </em>and<em> Mama</em>

Taking as its objects of study two contemporary films, Sergei Dvortsevoy’s 2018 Ayka and Anastasia Borisova’s 2019 film Mama, this article considers the vicissitudes of life as a female economic migrant and young mother in Moscow, with Mama representing the internal migration of its main protagonist from Sakha (known also as Yakutia) and Ayka the experience of a new mother from Kyrgyzstan. Both films engage the themes of pregnancy, childcare and racialised labour within post-Soviet Moscow, and they do so in analogous ways, each employing a documentary style that we might see as gesturing towards the ‘ethnofictions’ of Jean Rouch. Central to my inquiry is that both Ayka and Iye appeared at a time when pronatalist policies were actively being pursued within the Russian Federation, as part of the highly conservative agenda of V.V. Putin, and yet the dire material conditions of the films’ migrant heroines leave them unable to fully ‘assent’ to their new maternal roles. My article considers each film’s attempt to document the unequal access to postpartum care in Russia’s metropolis and draws upon theories of cinematic spectatorship to ask whether ‘intersectional’ Russophone films can transcend the violence of voyeurism and play an active role in feminist advocacy.

Complex nexus: Economic development, rural-to-urban migration, and transition to adulthood in China

Transition to adulthood in low- and middle-come countries (LMIC) has increasingly been diversified and individualized. Economic development and migration are often cited as reasons for diversification but have been analytically examined interactively. To examine the complex linkages between development, migration, and transition to adulthood, we use China data to cover a decade when it has experienced rapid economic development, a large flow of rural-to-urban migration, and changes in the transition to adulthood. Applying the latent class analysis and multinomial logistic regression on the Chinese General Social Survey 2008 and 2017, we obtain three main findings. First, economic development increases the diversification of the transition to adulthood. Second, rural-to-urban migration has a greater impact on the postponement than on other pathways. Third, the joint impact of economic development and migration is not evident: the change do not differ between men and women as well as young adults of different migration experience. These findings collectively imply signs of the diversification of transition to adulthood in China, but also entail the individualization behind it.