Return Migration

Stephen J. Sills

Emigrants who return to their home country are typically considered return migrants. Typically excluded in this definition are circular or cyclical migrants who routinely move back and forth between two countries for work, such as the case of short-term guest workers. Also excluded are repatriated refugees. Migrants return for many possible reasons. For example, labor migrants may return home to settle or retire. Foreign-born scientists, doctors, computer-engineers, and other high-skilled professionals may return to their native countries once better job opportunities develop and standards of living increase. Most important to the study of all types of return migration is the realization that the individual who relocates to a new country continues to maintain transnational ties, dual residency, or even dual citizenship in the homeland. Theses ties influence the possibility of return migration. This entry looks at the scope of return migration, different rationales for it, and affects on the home ...

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