Loading...
Consequences of the forced mass repatriation of migrant communities
Van Hear, Nicholas
Van Hear, Nicholas
Author(s)
Contributor(s)
Keywords
Collections
Files
Loading...
DP38.pdf
Adobe PDF, 332.36 KB
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Online Access
Abstract
"Recent years have seen an increase in the number of occasions when migrant, expatriate or alien communities have been obliged to leave en masse the countries in which they have chosen to work or settle. The expulsion of two million Ghanaians and other West African migrants from Nigeria, reciprocal mass expulsions from Senegal and Mauritania, the expulsion of ethnic Turks from Bulgaria, the recent mass exodus from Iraq and Kuwait, and the expulsion of Yemenis from Saudi Arabia are just the better-known cases of such mass movements over the last decade. Drawing on some of these examples, this paper examines the socio-economic consequences of such mass exodus for the countries to which these forced migrants return. The paper first identifies the groups which are obliged to leave en masse. There are two main vulnerable groups: migrant workers, whose intent to stay in a host country is usually shortterm, and ‘alien’ communities, who may be former migrants but are often long-settled. The paper draws attention to some of the conceptual problems surrounding this categorization. The paper then considers the form of such mass exodus, the degree of compulsion it entails, and the motivations of states for inducing or encouraging such out-movements. It explores some conceptual problems surrounding the notion of compulsion in such episodes. Drawing on examples from Africa and the Middle East, the main body of the paper examines the consequences of mass expulsion or exodus for the countries to which those affected return. The paper looks briefly at the immediate problems of reception, accommodation and dispersal. It then examines the medium-term issues: employment implications, the loss of remittances, and other economic, social and ecological consequences such as pressure on housing, prices, social services, water supply and other resources. The longer term consequences of mass return are then addressed; the paper suggests that they may not all be negative. Expellees and other returnees of this kind are not usually refugees, but they may find themselves in refugee-like situations. The paper examines how, if at all, they are protected and assisted by the international community, and suggests some ways in which such episodes may be better handled. It concludes by speculating on the future course of the mass exodus of migrant communities."(pg 1 )
Note(s)
Topic
Type
Book
Date
1992-11
Identifier
ISBN
DOI
Copyright/License
With permission of the license/copyright holder