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On the Same Wavelength? Differing Geopolitical Positionalities and Voluntary Return and Reintegration in Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Ester Serra-Mingot

    (Bielefeld University)

  • Markus Rudolf

    (Bonn International Centre for Conversion, North Rhine-Westphalia)

Abstract

This paper explores the range of experiences of “voluntary” return to Ghana, based on the different positionalities of migrants set against migration and return regimes and broader socio-economic inequalities. The cases illustrate how geopolitical relations shape migrants’ mobilities, highlighting the unequal relations between different actors in the countries of origin and destination; primarily these are the migrants, their relatives, and communities of origin. Conflicting interests and expectations of these actors, as much as differing return policies, create unequal options and expectations of mobility. Migrant journeys, regardless the age, gender, legal status or social class, are always geopolitical journeys. The diverging experiences of return, thus, depend not only on the individual situations, but also on the broader politicized relations and interests between stakeholders in the migration and return processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ester Serra-Mingot & Markus Rudolf, 2023. "On the Same Wavelength? Differing Geopolitical Positionalities and Voluntary Return and Reintegration in Ghana," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 485-502, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:24:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s12134-022-00958-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-022-00958-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mary Boatemaa Setrana & Steve Tonah, 2016. "Do Transnational Links Matter after Return? Labour Market Participation among Ghanaian Return Migrants," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(4), pages 549-560, April.
    3. Biehler, Nadine & Koch, Anne & Meier, Amrei, 2021. "Risiken und Nebenwirkungen deutscher und europäischer Rückkehrpolitik: Ein außen-, sicherheits- und entwicklungspolitischer Beipackzettel," SWP-Studien 12/2021, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
    4. Borjas, George J, 1999. "Immigration and Welfare Magnets," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 17(4), pages 607-637, October.
    5. Richard Black & Adriana Castaldo, 2009. "Return Migration And Entrepreneurship In Ghana And Côte D’Ivoire: The Role Of Capital Transfers," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 100(1), pages 44-58, February.
    6. Assaf Razin & Jackline Wahba, 2015. "Welfare Magnet Hypothesis, Fiscal Burden, and Immigration Skill Selectivity," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 117(2), pages 369-402, April.
    7. Esi Akyere Mensah, 2016. "Involuntary Return Migration and Reintegration. The Case of Ghanaian Migrant Workers from Libya," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 303-323, February.
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