Migration Issues Research Articles

Addressing Internal Migration Challenges in Kazakhstan: A Systematic Approach

This research article provides a comprehensive analysis of migration processes within Kazakhstan, focusing on the challenges in internal migration. The current trends in internal migration are leading to substantial differences in the distribution of the workforce, negatively affecting both the economy of the country and regional inequalities. The authors present an economic and mathematical model that demonstrates a connection between a decrease in the appeal of migration to certain locations and a fall in the gross regional product. Furthermore, a thorough examination of the legal framework, program execution, and policy documents reveals problems in the effective use of regulatory mechanisms, particularly in relation to rural migration issues. The study presents a systematic approach and an organizational regulatory scheme to improve the scientific methodology. This scheme takes into account numerous aspects and conditions that affect internal population migration dynamics. Received: 11 July 2024 / Accepted: 31 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

A FIELD STUDY ON SOCIAL CAPITAL, CULTURE OF LIVING TOGETHER AND NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS

Turkey, which is the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa, has been the main route of migration throughout human history. Forced migrants coming to Turkey have low-skilled labor and mostly consist of farmers engaged in agriculture in rural areas. Turkey settles migrants migrating from nearby geography in districts where agricultural production is carried out in rural areas and can employ these migrants in agricultural production. When the host community trusts the migrants, they can treat them warmly, neighborly relations begin and a culture of living together that is beneficial for both parties is formed. This study aimed to investigate on-site the contribution of social capital to the neighborhood relations and the culture of living together process established by Meskhetian Turks settled in Üzümlü District of Erzincan Province since 2016 with the residents of Üzümlü District. In line with this objective, a survey was conducted with 269 Meskhetian Turks migrating from the Russian Federation. In the analyses conducted with Structural Equation Modeling, it was determined that Meskhetian Turks developed very good neighborhood relations with the people of Üzümlü District of Erzincan Province and created a culture of living together. While the Bonding Social Capital contributed positively to this process, the Bridging Social Capital had a negative effect. The study approaches the issue of migration within the scope of “microeconomic migration theories”. The economic needs and desires of individuals are taken as basis.

Identification and Analysis of Peak Population Migration Patterns in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region Based on Complex Network Theory

Abstract. As a vital economic and population agglomeration area in China, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has attracted considerable attention regarding population migration issues. Population migration not only directly affects the population size and structure of cities within the region but also has profound implications for economic development, social stability, and urban planning. This study extends the analysis to the "Spring Festival Travel Rush" period, using population migration data from January to March in the years 2020 to 2022 as the basis. By employing complex network theory and relevant statistical indicators, the study explores the peak period population migration patterns and their variations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The research firstly identifies significant changes in population migration patterns in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region around 2021 and analyzes the changing patterns. Secondly, network statistical indicators indicate hierarchical population migration patterns based on city tiers. Furthermore, cities with unique migration patterns are identified. Finally, based on an in-depth exploration of population migration patterns and their variations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the study provides suggestions and prospects for future urban planning and development, offering important references for addressing the challenges posed by population migration in the region.

Teachers’ perspectives and practices relating to refugee girls: a mixed-methods multidisciplinary survey

ABSTRACT Teachers’ perspectives are key to understanding practice and support for high-risk groups like refugee children. This mixed-methods multidisciplinary study explored primary teachers’ perspectives and skills on issues of equity, migration and social-emotional skills, using an online survey. The survey contained quantitative perspective questions and qualitative scenarios. Triangulated results suggested that teachers’ perspectives around equity and social-emotional skills differ from their practice when responding to student scenarios. Their perspectives on migration, however, are aligned with their scenario responses. Results show a skill gap that may impact teachers’ ability to support refugee children in adjusting to and thriving in their classrooms.

The Catholic Church and Its Approach towards Refugees and Migrants: An Analysis of the Presence of Migration Issues in the Synod’s Syntheses on Synodality

The issues of migration and refugees are currently major global challenges. They are also important aspects of the teachings of the Catholic Church, as evidenced by the many recent Church documents. These issues also came up in discussions at the Synod on Synodality convened by Pope Francis. This article attempts to analyze 24 synodal syntheses, created by European episcopates, in terms of their approach to contemporary migration phenomena and further consequences, which allows for the identification of the main themes and indications of both the religious and social aspects of the encounter with newcomers. A common theme of the syntheses analyzed was the conviction of the need to sensitize societies to the specific plight of newcomers, threatening to marginalize them. Accompanying newcomers and caring for their integration with local communities resounded in the syntheses both as a task and also as opportunities for host communities to actualize solidarity, fraternity, and cultural exchange.

Exploring intercultural perspectives of migration futures in a super-diverse city through intercultural participatory futures workshops: The case of Istanbul

Most migration futures studies focus on reacting to migration issues such as flows and crises rather than exploring alternative images of futures centered on individual’s migration experiences. Addressing the limitations of existing practices criticized for their short-term, problem-oriented, and predominantly western, male-dominated, and colonized perspectives, this article presents intercultural participatory futures workshops as a novel technique for exploring more inclusive and intercultural migration futures. This approach enabled participants to collaboratively envision, build, and discuss alternative futures of migration for Istanbul in 2050 in eight workshop sessions with 35 intercultural participants. Additionally, it fostered a space to share experiences, and thoughts on futures, while meaningfully interacting with one another. Therefore, the contribution of this article to the migration futures field is two-fold: first, it showcases the potential of intercultural participatory futures workshops for exploring and constructing inclusive and participatory visions of migration futures, while contrasting collective visions and individual concerns; and second, it explains the relevance of this approach as a unique opportunity to foster intercultural meaningful social interactions, a key kind of interaction for social inclusion between individuals with migration backgrounds and host society.

Morocco, at the Heart of the Harmonization of the African Union's Migration Policies: Context, Complexity, Diversity, Effects and Challenges

Since the mid-1980s, the European Union has adopted a cautious attitude to migratory flows. It has constantly stepped up initiatives to combat immigration, by tightening border controls and reducing the granting of visas, thereby forcing would-be emigrants to look for alternatives. At the same time, Africa is facing unique migration challenges. The consequences of colonization, the imposition of capitalist relations and the development of an extroverted economy, among others, continue to influence current migration dynamics. Persistent economic crises, exacerbated by inequitable global economic policies, are driving many people to seek better opportunities elsewhere. In addition, the effects of climate change, such as desertification, droughts and floods, are intensifying migratory pressures. African countries therefore need to develop effective migration policies to govern migratory flows and respond to geopolitical challenges. It is crucial to put in place regional and international cooperation mechanisms to manage migration in a coordinated and humane manner. This means thinking carefully about migration issues, considering the historical, economic and political realities that shape them. This issue must be at the heart of the concerns of States and the African Union. It is true that attempts are being made at continental level, such as the Kampala Convention and the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), but these measures can only be truly appreciated if they are applied on the ground.

REGIONAL COOPERATION IN CENTRAL EUROPE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

The paper systematically reviews ten years of academic literature published from 2014 to 2023 and indexed in the Scopus database to establish the current state-of-the-art on how Central European regional groups operate. The review includes 52 publications on six regional cooperation formats: the Central European Defence Cooperation, the Slavkov/Austerlitz Triangle, the Salzburg Forum, the Three Seas Initiative, the Visegrád Group and the Bucharest Nine. The paper finds that regional cooperation research is very concentrated on selected aspects of Visegrád cooperation and follows poor methodological reporting practices. The majority of studies analyse the V4 in relation to migration and foreign policy issues, whereas research on cooperation dynamics in other policy areas and within other active regional groups is marginal. After identifying promising future research directions, the paper calls for greater methodological and topical diversity in Central European regional cooperation research.

New Trends in Migration from Kyrgyzstan to the Russian Federation

In recent decades, population migration has become one of the main components of socio-economic development of Kyrgyzstan. In recent years, Kyrgyz citizens have been working in Russia and Kazakhstan. A comparative analysis of the number and structure of flows of Kyrgyz labour migrants is carried out on the basis of data from a sample national survey of household budgets, the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the Federal Migration Service of Russia, the Main Directorate for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, and Rosstat. The key problems of the social and legal situation of Kyrgyz migrants in Russia were identified: lack of registration at the place of stay, restriction/ ban on entry, non-payment of wages, access to medical care, and receipt of pensions. Gradually, under the influence of external and internal factors, new trends of labour migration to the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, the Republic of Korea and Japan, Europe and America have emerged. Migration flows are becoming more and more organised, as they involve the country's public authorities, private employment agencies, international companies and other actors. The study shows that the key needs for Kyrgyz migrant workers in the near future are concentrated in the following regions (in addition to traditional destinations): first, Western European countries (Great Britain and Germany); second, East Asia (Republic of Korea and Japan); third, Eastern European countries (Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria); fourth, the Middle East (Turkey and the Gulf countries); fifth, Northern Europe (Sweden and Finland). The official discourse in Kyrgyzstan is increasingly gaining momentum on the need to transform migration policy from large-scale export of labour resources to employment of surplus labour resources within the country by creating new jobs and expanding production. New ideological approaches to the transition of Kyrgyzstan from the category of countries– exporters of labour resources to the category of countries actively developing their own production and labour market are practically formed.

“It’s All Closer and More Personal to Me”: The Meaning of Closeness for Migration-Related Civic Engagement of Czech Adolescents

The lack of trust in politics and poor civic engagement challenge both new and established democracies. To tackle this challenge, it is necessary to understand what motivates new generations of citizens to become civically engaged. We contribute to discussions about this issue by offering a qualitative, in-depth exploration of adolescents’ motivations for civic engagement, focusing specifically on the issue of migration. Drawing on data from four critical focus groups conducted with adolescents (17–19 years old) in Czechia, we ask how their perspectives on migration translate into motivation for migration-related civic engagement. Utilizing the theoretical perspective and interpretative approach of cultural sociology, we look for the meanings that sustain their personal motivation to become engaged. We find that feelings of closeness to the issue of migration act as an essential driver of adolescents’ personal motivation for engagement, making migration an issue of concern to them. We further distinguish between cultural closeness and closeness of contact and identify distinct mechanisms through which these forms of closeness translate into adolescents’ concerns about the issue of migration. Based on our findings, we call for greater consideration of the role of culture and local context in the research on adolescents’ motivations for civic engagement.

Abstract C133: The missing cancer and palliative care in displaced community in Northeast India

Abstract Introduction: Cancer is a chronic illness needing long treatment. This includes late toxicity management in case of cure and palliative care if cure is a distant possibility. Northeast part of India shares international border with Bangladesh and both sides had witnessed geopolitical uncertainty since India’s independence in 1947. Unrest and military rule in East Pakistan made the citizens to flee to India which continued even after the creation of the new country Bangladesh in 1971. However, the poor migrants are not eligible under the public health scheme due to lack of proof of citizenship. Methods: We have analyzed the public health scheme and issues of migrants in Northeast India after observing discontinuity in care. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a national public health insurance scheme of the Government of India that aims to provide free access to health insurance coverage for low- income earners in the country. The scheme is applicable to Indian citizens. In 2019 Government of India passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to provide Indian citizenship to the illegal migrants who entered India on or before 31st December 2014. However, the exercise to identify migrants as per the Act is a tedious process and not yet over.: Results: Until the exercise of granting citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act is done, the poor migrants who have no proof of citizenship cannot take benefit under AB PM-JAY scheme. Unfortunately, some internally displaced Indian citizens are lacking proof of citizenship and many of them are suffering from chronic illnesses and cancer, however neither afford to pay for treatment nor eligible to get free treatment under AB PM-JAY scheme. Conclusions: Northeast India migrant issue is a special situation where poor migrants from other country and some displaced poor Indians are not eligible to get cancer care under public health insurance scheme. The Citizenship Amendment Act provides a solution by granting citizenship. However, the tedious process is taking long time and no solution being offered in the interim period. Citation Format: Suryakanta Acharya. The missing cancer and palliative care in displaced community in Northeast India [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C133.

The Issue of Georgian Migration to the North Caucasus in the Second Half of the 19th Century and the Beginning of the 20th Century (According to the Georgian Press)

The Issue of Georgian Migration to the North Caucasus in the Second Half of the 19th Century and the Beginning of the 20th Century (According to the Georgian Press)

Efficient and Stable Blue Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes Enabled by Effective Hydrolysis of Dichloride

AbstractDespite the substantial progress in sky‐blue (480−495 nm) perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs), the pure‐blue PeLEDs (<480 nm) merely show moderate performances. As a straightforward and effective facile way to obtain pure‐blue emission, the bromide‐chloride mixed perovskites have received considerable attention. However, the tricky issue of halide migration in the mixed halide perovskites makes a tough challenge to achieve efficient PeLEDs with stable electroluminescence (EL) spectra. Herein, the in situ treatment of Cl‐rich benzene phosphorus oxydichloride (BPOD) is proposed to achieve high‐quality pure‐blue perovskites by simultaneously enlarging the perovskite bandgap, passivating the halide vacancy defects, and immobilizing the halide ions through the hydrolysis products of chloride ions and phenylphosphonic acid. As a result, highly‐performed pure‐blue PeLEDs with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 9.3% at 477 nm, an impressive lifetime of 34.7 min at 104 cd m−2, and very stable EL spectra are achieved, which are superior to the conventional mixed halide PeLEDs based on lead‐chloride precursor, representing one of the best performances for mixed halide pure‐blue PeLEDs. Therefore, this work contributes a feasible and effective method for efficient and stable pure‐blue PeLEDs.

Chemical Synergic Stabilization of High Br-Content Mixed-Halide Wide-Bandgap Perovskites for Durable Multi-Terminal Tandem Solar Cells with Minimized Pb Leakage.

High Br-content mixed-halide perovskites with wide-bandgap (WBG) of 1.6-2.0 eV have showcased vast potential to be used in tandem solar cells. However, they often suffer from severe halide segregation, phase separation and ion migration issues, which would accelerate the decomposition of perovskites films,deteriorate the photovoltaic performance and even aggravate the lead leakage from damaged devices. Here, we report a novel chemical synergic interaction strategy to mitigate the abovementioned issues. A small amount of cationic β-cyclodextrin, composed of multiple ammonium cations, chlorine ions and abundant hydroxyl functional groups, was introduced into WBG perovskites, which effectively stabilized the halide ions and homogenized the phase distribution, comprehensively passivated the defects,and efficiently immobilized the Pb2+ ions. Encouragingly, the cationic β-cyclodextrin was universal and useful for different WBG perovskites, which favorably boosted the efficiencies by 10%-36% and extended the device operational stability to 2680 h. The integrated four-terminal orsix-terminal all-perovskite tandem solar cells exhibited efficiencies up to 24.39% and 22.42%, respectively. We demonstrated the cationic β-cyclodextrin-assisted internal chemical encapsulation effectively prevented the Pb leakage from severely damaged devices with only 5.63 ppb Pb leaching out. The target tandem solar cells with cationic β-cyclodextrin modification also realized a Pb sequestration efficiency of 93.4%.

Chemical Synergic Stabilization of High Br‐Content Mixed‐Halide Wide‐Bandgap Perovskites for Durable Multi‐Terminal Tandem Solar Cells with Minimized Pb Leakage

High Br‐content mixed‐halide perovskites with wide‐bandgap (WBG) of 1.6‐2.0 eV have showcased vast potential to be used in tandem solar cells. However, they often suffer from severe halide segregation, phase separation and ion migration issues, which would accelerate the decomposition of perovskites films, deteriorate the photovoltaic performance and even aggravate the lead leakage from damaged devices. Here, we report a novel chemical synergic interaction strategy to mitigate the abovementioned issues. A small amount of cationic β‐cyclodextrin, composed of multiple ammonium cations, chlorine ions and abundant hydroxyl functional groups, was introduced into WBG perovskites, which effectively stabilized the halide ions and homogenized the phase distribution, comprehensively passivated the defects,and efficiently immobilized the Pb2+ ions. Encouragingly, the cationic β‐cyclodextrin was universal and useful for different WBG perovskites, which favorably boosted the efficiencies by 10%‐36% and extended the device operational stability to 2680 h. The integrated four‐terminal or six‐terminal all‐perovskite tandem solar cells exhibited efficiencies up to 24.39% and 22.42%, respectively. We demonstrated the cationic β‐cyclodextrin‐assisted internal chemical encapsulation effectively prevented the Pb leakage from severely damaged devices with only 5.63 ppb Pb leaching out. The target tandem solar cells with cationic β‐cyclodextrin modification also realized a Pb sequestration efficiency of 93.4%.

Introduction to the forum on the COVID-19 pandemic and international migrant workers: Geographies of (im)mobility and governance challenges

ABSTRACT In this forum, we focus on precarious international migrant workers and examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in four middle-income economies in the Global South: Ghana, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand. In this way we consider varying geographies of (im)mobilities, responses, and governance. During the global struggle to cope with the pandemic, the world witnessed that the quality of governance at multiple levels played a crucial role. In these uncertain times, it is imperative that awareness, prevention, and resilience improves. Collectively, the four essays reveal a multitude of challenges. We address important issues such as the relationship between sociocultural factors and digital pandemic governance, the need to improve services and support for female migrants, the complex issue of return migration, the specific challenges associated with sudden and temporary immobility, and the increasingly prevalent status of middle-income economies in the Global South as both sending and receiving countries.

Mitigating Gas Migration with Eutectic Bismuth Alloy Plugs

Gas migration is an important concern to address in oil wells, especially in those that are to be abandoned. Stopping a gas leakage is not a simple task, and this can be particularly detrimental when setting a cement plug, as the migrated gas can undermine the integrity of said plug. In this context, and considering the recent attention given to metal plugs, we investigate the capability of bismuth plugs in shutting off gas leakages. The bismuth alloy employed to form the plug is to be melted downhole, and thus its proper solidification may be compromised if a leakage is underway. We test the sealing capability of two bismuth alloys – the eutectic bismuth-tin and the eutectic bismuth-tin-indium – along with two pipes – acrylic and steel. Results indicate that the bismuth plug can seal off the inner space of the pipe as long as the alloy used is eutectic; otherwise, a channel is created if the alloy is only near eutectic, effectively permitting that the leakage still continues. This sealing capability has been verified for both eutectic alloys tested, although it was also observed that voids are still present within the plugs themselves, potentially undermining their mechanical properties. Furthermore, we also observed that a slow and controlled cooling approach reduces the volume of inner voids, thus mitigating the plug degradation caused by the migrating gas. Further works should verify how these voids impact the hydraulic shear bond strength of the plug. From a microstructural perspective, it seemed that the solidification cooling rate plays a key role in the grain size of the material, which significantly impacts the microstructure of the alloy and, consequently, its mechanical properties. Considering the findings discussed in this work, we recommend that a two-plug approach is employed in leaking wells: a first, eutectic plug would shut down the leakage at the cost of its strength, and then a second – eutectic or non-eutectic – plug would be placed under no leakage ensuring the desired strength and sealability requirements. This study further highlights the potential of bismuth alloys to enhance safety and efficiency in plug and abandonment (P&A) operations by mitigating gas migration issues.

Polymers for Perovskite Solar Cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are recognized as one of the most promising next-generation photovoltaics, primarily due to their exceptional power conversion efficiency, ease of processing, and cost-effectiveness. Despite these advantages, challenges remain in achieving high-quality films and ensuring the long-term stability of PSCs, which hinder their widespread commercialization. Polymers, characterized by multifunctional groups, superior thermal stability, flexible long chains, and cross-linking capabilities, offer significant potential to enhance the performance and reliability of PSCs. This review comprehensively presents the multifaceted roles that polymers play in PSCs. Through carefully controlling interactions between polymers and perovskites, crucial aspects such as film crystallization kinetics, carrier transport process, ion migration issues, and mechanical properties under bending can be effectively regulated to maximize the device performance. Furthermore, the hydrophobic properties and strong chelated cross-linking networks of polymers significantly enhance the stability of PSCs under various environmental conditions while effectively mitigating lead leakage, thereby addressing environmental concerns and long-term durability. Moreover, this Perspective identifies potential pathways for further advancing polymer-based strategies in PSC applications.

The experiences of minority language users in health and social care research: A systematic review.

The planning and management of health policy is directly linked to evidence-based research. To obtain the most rigorous results in research it is important to have a representative sample. However, ethnic minorities are often not accounted for in research. Migration, equality, and diversity issues are important priorities which need to be considered by researchers. The aim of this systematic review (SR) is to explore the literature examining the experiences of minority language users in Health and Social Care Research (HSCR). A SR of the literature was conducted. SPIDER framework and Cochrane principles were utilised to conduct the review. Five databases were searched, yielding 5311 papers initially. A SR protocol was developed and published in PROSPERO: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020225114analysis. Following the title and abstract review by two reviewers, 74 papers were included, and a narrative account was provided. Six themes were identified: 1. Disparities in healthcare; 2. Maternal health; 3. Mental health; 4. Methodology in health research; 5. Migrant and minority healthcare; 6. Racial and ethnic gaps in healthcare. Results showed that language barriers (including language proficiency) and cultural barriers still exist in terms of recruitment, possibly effecting the validity of the results. Several papers acknowledged language barriers but did not act to reduce them. Despite research highlighting cultures over the past 40years, there is a need for this to be acknowledged and embedded in the research process. We propose that future research should include details of languages spoken so readers can understand the sample composition to be able to interpret the results in the best way, recognising the significance of culture and language. If language is not considered as a significant aspect of research, the findings of the research cannot be rigorous and therefore the validity is compromised.

Maximizing interface stability in all-solid-state lithium batteries through entropy stabilization and fast kinetics

The positive electrode|electrolyte interface plays an important role in all-solid-state Li batteries (ASSLBs) based on garnet-type solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) like Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO). However, the trade-off between solid-solid contact and chemical stability leads to a poor positive electrode|electrolyte interface and cycle performance. In this study, we achieve thermodynamic compatibility and adequate physical contact between high-entropy cationic disordered rock salt positive electrodes (HE-DRXs) and LLZTO through ultrafast high-temperature sintering (UHS). This approach constructs a highly stable positive electrode|electrolyte interface, reducing the interface resistance to 31.6 Ω·cm2 at 25 °C, making a 700 times reduction compared to the LiCoO2 | LLZTO interface. Moreover, the conformal and tight HE-DRX | LLZTO solid-state interface avoids the transition metal migration issue observed with HE-DRX in liquid electrolytes. At 150 °C, HE-DRXs in ASSLBs (Li|LLZTO | HE-DRXs) exhibit an average specific capacity of 239.7 ± 2 mAh/g at 25 mA/g, with a capacity retention of 95% after 100 cycles relative to the initial cycle—a stark contrast to the 76% retention after 20 cycles at 25 °C in conventional liquid batteries. Our strategy, which considers the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics, may open avenues for tackling the positive electrode|electrolyte interface issue in ASSLBs based on garnet-type SSEs.