Migration Flows Research Articles

Improving the healthcare response to migrants landing in Lampedusa through a multimodal strategy.

Abstract Issue Lampedusa island is a crucial Italian entry point for migrants and the only health facility is the outpatient clinic that relies on the helicopter transfer to the mainland for urgencies. When the influx of migrants -and of tourists- increases, the health demand burden rises. Moreover, the plurality of the actors involved in migrants’ reception and assistance makes healthcare organization complex. In 2023, 115.000 arrivals were recorded with an increase of pregnant migrants transferred by helicopter; moreover, the lack of an EMTs-equipped ambulance and coordination gaps between actors were raised. Description of the practice Also paving on law 50/2023, in 2023 INMP and other institutions promoted a multimodal strategy to support healthcare in Lampedusa. A needs assessment grounded on settings and processes field observation and key stakeholders’ structured interviews was designed. Hence, an equipped ambulance service was set in September 2023 and an obstetric triage (ObT) procedure for pregnant migrants was tested. Further, operational protocols for migrants’ health have been drafted and enclosed in a MoU signed between key institutions, and a dedicated Committee monitoring protocol implementation was also set. Results Until now the ambulance has carried out 242 operations, mostly in response to community requests and ObT has led to using helicopter solely for real Ob urgencies. Also, the MoU has improved the coordination between actors, and the monitoring Committee-just settled-has already identified new priorities such as of defining a procedure for pregnant migrants requesting pregnancy termination. Lessons A multimodal strategy based on field assessment, enhancing coordination between actors and rolling-out of shared procedures has improved the effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness of healthcare in Lampedusa, requiring a slight increase in resources. Remarkably, the healthcare reinforcing results in beneficial also for the general population. Key messages • Massive influx of migrants in Lampedusa has required strengthening health services on the island. • Evidence-based interventions based on needs assessment have improved healthcare for both migrants and the general population.

Living conditions in Italian administrative detention centres for migrants: a scoping review

Abstract Since 2011, Italy has experienced a growing flow of migrants, despite the implementation of restrictive and detention-oriented procedures. Detention facilities for migrants must provide health protection and general assistance to the person. Considering the critical state of the centres reported by various sources, this study gives an overview of the conditions in Italian detention facilities for migrants from a public health perspective. A scoping search of the peer-reviewed and grey literature was performed to investigate the public health standards currently in force in Italian detention facilities for migrants and refugees (Hotspot and CPR-Pre-removal Detention Centres). Articles published from 2009 to 2021 in English and Italian were included and qualitatively described in five categories: provision of healthcare, living conditions, protection of vulnerable detainees, access to legal advice, and the Covid-19 pandemic. 11 peer-reviewed studies and 24 grey documents were included. Guidelines on screening procedures for infectious diseases or vaccines appeared to be hastily followed; chronic and mental diseases were not appropriately addressed. The facilities were described as run-down, with scarce and poor-quality meals, and lacking of educational activities. A lack of protection for vulnerable categories was reported, including unaccompanied minors. The Covid-19 pandemic further exacerbated pre-existing issues, highlighting systemic weaknesses in preparedness and response. Life conditions within the centres for migrants in Italy fall significantly short of acceptable standards. The main problems are the unavailability of cultural mediation services and the insufficient protection of mental health. The overall conditions appeared to be not dignifying and violations of the law are, if not frequent, present and well recognised. Urgent reforms are warranted to address these shortcomings and ensure the humane treatment and protection of migrants within these facilities. Key messages • Italy is responding to the recent inflow of migrants with policies oriented to detention and repatriation. To this, it established de-facto detention centres for migrants, namely Hotspot and CPRs. • The public health standards of migrants’ repatriation centres are poorly followed and life inside the centres appears misereble.

Migrants and Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa: Theory and Evidence

Acts of xenophobia are a persistent feature of life in South Africa. Daily animosity often spills over into violence against both locals and mostly migrants and their economic enterprises. One argument is that xenophobia has characterized post-apartheid South Africa partly due to increased migration flows. Can migration cause xenophobia? Using data from Xenowatch Reports, we examine the impact of migration flows from Zimbabwe on the onset and persistence of acts of collective violence targeted at foreign nationals’ lives and their foreign-owned businesses in South Africa. Results show that increased migration flows from Zimbabwe into South Africa leads to ethnic polarization, cultural diversity, and intolerance by residents toward immigrants. The variable migrants has a positive but statistically insignificant effect on xenophobia. However, migration can impact xenophobia through inducing ethnic fractionalization, cultural diversity and ethnic polarization, intolerance, and hostility with the coefficients of ethnic fractionalization and cultural diversity being positive and statistically significant and supporting the hypothesis that more migration flows from Zimbabwe lead to more xenophobic attacks in South Africa. These findings aid our understanding of the economic consequences of xenophobia. JEL codes: Q15, Q32, Q54

Women as cultural agents: Double coloniality, gender and diasporic memories of ethnic Greek Georgian women

In 2021, the world commemorated the 30th anniversary of the end of the Cold War, a half-century of ideological rivalry and divisions that left few societies untouched. ‘Cold War state of mind’, as the title of the book of Matthew Dune stated, with the primacy it gave to nation-states, overlooked issues of not belonging in dominant majorities and hegemonic cultures, for example, ethnic minorities and diasporas. In this framework, Greek-speaking communities in the former Soviet Union seemed to draw from their cultural background to become rooted in the Soviet ethnic mosaic but also to increase their social capital which in the 1990s turned to an important transnational value due to the migrant flows from Georgia to Greece. This article follows the life stories of two ethnic Greek women over the time of three decades through their memories since the 1980s, from the Black Sea region to Greece, to discuss how they address the post-socialist demand for an integration to the free market and how their double coloniality as Soviet and diasporic subjects interweaves with this demand.

Migration and Economic Development: The Role of Migrant Flows in Shaping Turkey’s Emerging Economy and Uncovering Hidden Conflicts and Challenges

This research examines the economic impact of migration on Turkey's emerging economy, with a particular focus on the contributions of migrant remittances, labor market dynamics, and the socio-political challenges associated with large-scale migrant flows. By employing econometric models and field research, the study explores the relationship between remittance inflows and key economic indicators such as GDP growth, employment rates, and poverty reduction. Additionally, the research uncovers hidden conflicts and social tensions that arise from migration, including labor market inequalities and integration challenges faced by both migrants and Turkish workers. The project evaluates government policies, such as the EU-Turkey refugee agreement, and their effects on economic development and social stability. Field research in migrant-receiving communities reveals the complexities of labor competition and the social dynamics created by migrant dependency in sectors such as agriculture and construction. Findings highlight the need for inclusive migration policies that balance the economic benefits of remittances with the social integration challenges faced by migrant populations. This study also advocates for stronger labor protections and regulatory reforms to mitigate tensions and reduce exploitation in low-wage sectors. The research contributes to the broader understanding of migration’s role in shaping Turkey’s economy and provides insights for policymakers seeking to address both the economic and social dimensions of migration.

Macroeconomic impact of forced migration on Lebanon with a focus on labor market dynamics and policy strategies for sustainable economic growth

This article explores the profound macroeconomic consequences of forced migration on Lebanon's economy, with a specific focus on labor market dynamics. Drawing from extensive research and analysis, the study examines the factors driving migration, its impacts on the labor market, and the resultant economic challenges. It delves into the wage disparities, employment rates, and the informal sector's expansion due to the influx of migrants. The article also evaluates existing public policies and proposes strategic interventions aimed at fostering migrant integration and promoting sustainable economic growth. By addressing these critical issues, the forced aims to provide comprehensive policy recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of forced migration and enhance Lebanon's economic resilience.

Contentious politics in the borderlands: How nonviolence and migrant characteristics affect public attitudes

New political issues and opportunities lead new actors into contentious politics. This article studies one such case: transnational migrants making claims and engaging in collective action when traversing state borders. As global migration flows and accompanying political backlash has grown since the mid-2010s, borders have increasingly become sites of contention between groups of migrants seeking entry and state agents attempting to refuse it. Media coverage and elite discourse also has focused on contentious border crossings, with implications for public attitudes toward migration. In this setting, public attitudes toward migrants should vary based on the migrants’ tactics and characteristics. We expect migrants engaging in nonviolent resistance to security forces will win more public support than those engaging in violence. Migrant characteristics – claims or motives for migration and ethnic identity – should also affect support. Survey experiments in the United States and Mexico containing fictionalized vignettes of a contentious event at the countries’ shared land border show strikingly similar results: migrant nonviolent resistance, compared to violent confrontations, reduces support for deportation and increases beliefs that migrants contribute to society. These effects are consistent across party lines and border proximity. Neither migrants’ claims nor migrants’ ethnic identity affect public support in the context of a contentious event.

Gelatin-Based Polymers Can Be Processed to Highly Resilient Biocompatible Porous Hydrogel Scaffolds for Soft Tissue Regeneration Applications

Tissue regeneration relies on the mechanical properties of the surrounding environment, and it has already been shown that mechanostimulation is highly dependent on the stiffness of the native biological tissue. The main advantage of injectable hydrogels in medical applications is their ability to be delivered through minimally invasive techniques. Natural polymer-based hydrogels have been widely used in biomedical applications, due to their high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and similarity to soft tissues. However, the crucial combination of low stiffness with high resilience has not been achieved for natural polymers. The current study focuses on the development of novel gelatin-based injectable hydrogels for soft tissue regeneration applications, elucidating the effects of the formulation parameters on the resilience, microstructure, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. Non-foamed hydrogels demonstrated resilience of at least 95%, while porous hydrogels maintained resilience above 90%, allowing them to withstand mechanical stresses and dynamic conditions within the body. The adjustable modulus of these hydrogels provides the necessary flexibility to mimic the mechanical properties of soft and very soft tissues, without compromising resilience. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) observations of the porous hydrogels indicated round interconnected pore structures, desired for cell migration and nutrient flow. Biocompatibility tests on fibroblasts and pre-adipocytes confirmed high biocompatibility, both directly and indirectly. In summary, structuring these new hydrogels for achieving adjustable stiffness, along with the excellent resilience and biocompatibility, is expected to enable this new technology to fit various soft tissue regeneration applications.

Демографічні аспекти вимушеної міграції українців до Чеської Республіки після російського повномасштабного вторгнення

The paper examines the scale and dynamics of Ukrainian forced migration to the Czech Republic following the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the demographic characteristics of Ukrainian war migrants, and the impact of this migration wave on the demographic situation in the Czech Republic. The study aimed to analyze the specific features of migration caused by the full-scale war, its reflection in demographic statistics, and to define the demographic profile of Ukrainian war migration to the Czech Republic. The research utilized statistical data provided by the Czech Statistical Office (Český statistický úřad) and applied methods of systematization and generalization, structural-logical and comparative analysis, statistical methods of structure and dynamics analysis, graphical data representation, and others. This type of study regarding Ukrainian war migrants to the Czech Republic has been conducted for the first time. Among European countries, the Czech Republic ranks third in the number of forced migrants from Ukraine, accumulating 8.4 % of the total number of Ukrainian war migrants in the European Union. It was found that the reflection of this migration wave in demographic statistics is influenced by organizational and accounting circumstances, such as the terms and procedures for extending temporary protection for war migrants, and the lack of specific “markers” in the statistics of demographic events for persons under temporary protection. Ukrainian war migration in the year of the Russian full-scale invasion led to a record increase in positive migration balance in the Czech Republic and increase in the share of individuals with Ukrainian citizenship in this country. The forced war migration wave in 2022 affected the demographic composition of both individuals with Ukrainian citizenship and the entire population of the Czech Republic through an increased share of women, who predominate among war migrants, and a slight slowdown in ageing and an increase in the share of the working-age population for two consecutive years. Among Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Czech Republic, there is a particularly high share of women aged 35 to 45 and boys aged 17—18, and also high proportion of children aged 10 to 14. During the years of the full-scale war, the number of marriages registered between Ukrainians in the Czech Republic has increased. In 2022—2023, due to the wave of war migration, the number of newborns with Ukrainian citizenship in the Czech Republic significantly increased, and their share in the total number of births among foreigners rose (by almost 30 percentage points in two years), although the total fertility rate of Ukrainian women was noticeably lower than the national average. The number of deaths among individuals with Ukrainian citizenship also increased due to the influx of war migrants, but this had a negligible impact on the level of mortality.

Income level as a differentiating factor in assessing the impact of migration on economic growth

Aim. To study the nature of the impact of migration on economic growth depending on the level of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and the direction of migration flows.Objectives. Study of theoretical approaches to the research of the impact of labor migration on economic growth; analysis of factors that differentiate the assessment of the impact of migration flows on economic growth indicators; collection and analysis of statistical information for the development of econometric models for assessing the impact of migration on economic growth.Methods. The authors used general scientific methods of research, such as deduction, analysis, synthesis. Statistical methods of data analysis were applied, linear regression models were built.Results. The research shows that the impact of migration on economic growth in countries with different levels of GDP per capita is due to different factors. For developed economies, the positive factors of the impact of immigration on economic growth are replenishment of scarce labor resources; improvement of labor force quality due to structural changes caused by the transition of the permanent working-age population to new professional fields. For countries with a low level of GDP per capita we can identify a number of positive factors of the impact of emigration (with a negative balance of migration growth) on economic growth. In particular, the outflow of excess labor force creates conditions for reducing unemployment; remittances of migrants support effective demand in the consumer market, contribute to the development of the banking system and investment in the country of origin; the expansion of social ties leads to the development of human capital, increasing the potential for innovation.Conclusions. The value of correlation coefficients in the constructed regression models indicates that there is a weak correlation between the variable characterizing the volume and nature of migration in the country (the ratio of migration balance to population) and the variable characterizing economic growth (GDP per capita at purchasing power parity) only for the group of high-income countries. There is little statistical dependence of these variables for other groups of countries. With regard to econometric modeling of the impact of migration on economic growth, this means that it is necessary to develop separate models for each group of countries depending on the level of GDP per capita and the direction of migration flows.

Syrian Immigrants and Turkish–European Union Migration Deals: Business as Usual

ABSTRACT Turkish–European Union Migration Agreement (TEMD) was signed in 2016, at the height of the Syrian migration flows. Together with this deal, the EU aimed at blocking the migration flows from the Middle East to Europe, and for not so obvious reasons, Turkey accepted to be a buffer between these two. Immigration, in its numerous legal, semi-legal and illegal varieties, has been the lifeblood of capitalism. Despite all the harsh rhetoric against immigration, the flows are not abated, but rather the newcomers are stratified in a manner that locks the newcomers into vulnerable positions. In this article, I will examine the case of immigration control regulations between the EU and Turkey. The EU and Turkey has a complex relationship of immigration flows that include third-country nationals as well as the native populations. The ‘EU-Turkey Statement and Action Plan’ was signed to constitute the pinnacle of a series of dealings between these two entities, though the balance of power is clearly skewed towards the former. This article intends to start examining the stratification effects of the Syrian immigration and the subsequent transformation of the immigration politics played among the three actors: the EU/Germany, Turkey and Syria.

‘We are not simply Indians’: Intersecting ethnic identity diversity among the Chinese communities of Kolkata

Kolkata, known for its cultural diversity, reflects the inequalities of its informal sector, reminiscent of a feudal system. The city is home to various foreign communities, including Armenians, Jews, Parsis, and particularly the Chinese. Historically, Kolkata saw a significant influx of Chinese immigrants, followed by phases of exclusion. Despite challenges, the Chinese community has thrived for over two decades, contributing to the city’s cultural richness. This research explores how Chinese individuals in Kolkata, unfamiliar with local social structures, perceive and categorize others, defining their ethnic identity. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the study finds that many Chinese in Kolkata identify as Indian-Chinese or Chinese-Indians. The community’s evolving belief systems reflect their ongoing search for a cultural identity. Through this exploration, they work to define their core values and roles within society, constantly adapting to the cultural landscape of Kolkata.

Socio-economic consequences for Central Europe related to the mass migration of Ukrainian citizens after Russia's full-scale invasion

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused displacement on a scale not seen since the Second World War. More than 6.5 million refugees from Ukraine have been registered worldwide (as of 16 May 2024), and more than 4.2 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection in the EU. Most of them found shelter in Poland and Germany. These countries have received an influx of migrants that corresponds to the logic of their demographic development. Ukrainians are almost an ideal demographic resource for Central Europe. In August 2023, only one person in three wanted to return to Ukraine. If the Ukrainian refugees are properly adapted, they will provide additional development impulses to the countries where they reside.

Railway security checks at the border: between intrusive security technologies and fundamental traveller rights.

European railway borders are facing a particular exposure to security threats and need a delicate balance between securitization and free movement, especially amid globalisation, the current geopolitical landscape and increased migrant flows. For example, the war in Ukraine illustrated the challenges experienced at the Eastern EU borders by the refugee migration surge in early 2022. This exploratory focuses on the European border security control process from the rail border perspective. It encompasses a descriptive synthesis of the lessons learned from the UIC Refugee Task Force as well as insights from the ongoing EU-funded Horizon Europe project ODYSSEUS (Unobtrusive Technologies for Secure and Seamless Border Crossing for Travel Facilitation). Project ODYSSEUS aims to support the security and integrity of the European space, reduce illegal movements of people and goods across EU borders, facilitate travelling for citizens all while protecting fundamental rights of travellers. The project will test a combination of multi-behavioural and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant biometric user identity verification tools, allowing, when possible, citizens to cross EU border without any interruption or queue. Further, novel luggage and baggage checks will allow citizens' vehicles and cargos to be remotely checked at land borders to speed up the border check processes in a secure and reliable manner. The project will run three pilot tests at road, rail and water borders. In this paper, we analyse the implementation of project's technologies in the rail border crossing pilot test and discuss the implications for the actors involved in the process of railway border crossing (e.g., border authorities, railway operators and railway travellers).

Comparative Analysis of Human Rights Provisions in the EU Migration Agreement

The loss of thousands of migrants’ lives at the European borders has raised questions about the European Union’s (EU) commitment to its role as a promoter of human rights. The EU’s management of migration through bilateral agreements has demonstrated challenges in adequately protecting the rights and dignity of migrants and asylum seekers. Human rights principles should be universal to all individuals regardless of their migration status ensuring their freedom and dignity. This paper argues for the adoption of a human rights-oriented approach in such agreements comparing the implications and dimensions of human rights in these agreements on Türkiye and Northern African countries, notably Morocco and Libya offering insights across different regions. This paper will examine the human rights implications of these agreements considering the continued increase in migration flows to the EU and the efforts to manage them. Furthermore, it evaluates the mechanisms to address human rights within the migration agreements as well as their interaction with international laws and EU policies. By looking at the human rights challenges in these agreements, the paper contributes to the ongoing debates on migration policies prioritizing human rights in EU decision-making in future migration agreements.

Outbreak of Chikungunya Fever in the Central Valley of Chiapas, Mexico.

The first ever recorded outbreak of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in the highlands (central valley of Chiapas) Mexico took place in 2015. Clinical data from 80 infected patients together with information provided from virus isolates offered a vision of the diseased and their response linked to different variables such as age, gender, association with pre-existing diseases of some patients, including CHIKF-DENF co-infection. The origins of the Tuxtla Gutierrez CHIKV viruses isolated in the study, including other Mexican isolates, were traced to viruses circulating in regions of Asia in Micronesia and Philippines. Also, we call the attention of the influx of migrants coming from countries having current explosive outbreaks of CHIKV and DENV in the Americas and into southern Mexico. Further we discuss vulnerabilities and point out specially to the geographic location of Chiapas State and its strategic position for attracting the human migrant population.

Imported malaria cases by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in Mexican territory: Potential impact of the migration crisis

BackgroundAs the migratory flow to the USA has intensified in recent months, health problems associated have been identified. The aim of this work was the identification of malaria cases imported into Mexican territory. MethodsOperational definitions of suspected and confirmed cases were used for investigation of malaria cases. Detection of parasitic entities by thick blood smear and molecular biology served as a confirmatory test. With the characteristics of the cases, a heat map was made to determine common clinical pictures. Finally, epidemiological analysis of cases was performed for the construction of timelines of imported malaria and the tracing of migratory routes. ResultsTwelve migrants from four countries were treated for presenting clinical symptoms with suspected dengue or malaria. Malaria was confirmed and two Plasmodium species were identified. From the epidemiological dates of arrival in Mexico, onset of symptoms and migratory routes, we speculate that ten cases acquired P. vivax during their crossing through Honduras, El Salvador or Guatemala. For the Guinea cases, we conclude that there was African importation of P. falciparum. ConclusionThe epidemiological panorama of malaria cases imported into Mexico show the need to join efforts to ensure universal access to health services, with the objective of timely detection of imported cases.

Design of Social Infrastructure and Services Taking into Account Internal Migration by Age Cohort

Abstract Background European cities and regions are facing depopulation and an ageing population, leading to a shift in the demand and supply of goods and giving rise to the silver economy. This demographic change has an impact on urban and regional planning, which is influenced by both internal and external migration. Objectives Based on the hypothesis that the attractiveness of locations also depends on the age of the inhabitants, the paper investigates the gravitational effects on the intensity of migration flows by age cohorts. Methods/Approach This study examines how factors that influence the retention or attraction of people towards specific areas affect migration between age groups at different hierarchical spatial levels, using the gravity model implemented at the Slovenian spatial levels NUTS 2 and NUTS 3. Results Distance is least important for the 65-74 age group, while wages influence only the youngest cohorts. The capacity of care homes has a significant influence on the attractiveness of older cohorts to move between NUTS 2 regions. There is a high correlation between the factors at the municipal and NUTS 3 levels for the population aged 75+. The factors at NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 levels show a strong correlation for those under 65. Conclusions These results can form a basis for the development of the silver economy as they show the need for adapted infrastructures and services for older adults. As the age structure is changing, authorities should adapt infrastructures and services to the different levels of central places/regions. The growing number of older people makes research into optimal solutions for long-term care a crucial factor for the silver economy.

Gender Differences in the Migration Process: A Narrative Literature Review

AbstractMigration scholars agree that migration is a highly gendered process. While the literature on this topic is increasing, the knowledge produced remains fragmentary and has not been synthesized systematically yet. This literature review aims at summarizing the current findings of quantitative migration research comparing migration patterns between genders and highlighting gaps and patterns in the literature over time. Following a reproducible and systematic approach, 6032 articles have been scanned and 170 were considered for in‐depth content analysis. The review of the literature revealed that women have a lower propensity than men to realize their migration aspirations conditional on migration intentions. Moreover, many articles analyzing migration flows by gender do not support the common narrative of a feminization of migration. Finally, evidence from the migration literature supports the assumption that migrant women experience a double burden of discrimination in the destination country labor market based on their gender and their migration status. It becomes apparent that gender‐based comparisons between migration outcomes have received the most attention in the literature followed by the comparison of determinants. The stage of the journey received only little attention. This literature review also focuses on the data sources used to produce our knowledge on gender differences in the migration process. Thereby, it stands out that the majority of papers rely on survey data for the analysis. Digital trace data are a promising source for gender‐disaggregated data and can potentially complement the scarce aggregate migration data landscape.

The effect of internal migration on regional growth in Italy: a dynamic spatial panel data analysis

This study assesses the effect of internal migration on regional growth in Italy at the NUTS-3 level over the period 2002-2019. The composition of the internal migration flows of the working-age population in Italy during the sample period appears substantially heterogeneous in nationality and labor skills. The analysis considers this heterogeneity, estimating various specifications of the dynamic spatial model and controlling for the endogeneity of migration variables through a control function approach. e evidence suggests that the internal migration of Italian citizens has a positive direct and spillover impact on regional growth, slowing down the convergence process. On the contrary, there is no evidence of a significant effect of internal migration of foreign citizens. Taking the skill composition of internal movements of Italian citizens into account, the adverse impact on convergence is magnified, thus corroborating the skill-selective hypothesis. Finally, the diverging impact of internal migration increases with the distance of migration flows.