What does it mean to take a transnational perspective? Instead, it means trying to capture the changing nature of global migration by placing emphasis on the nature and implications of linkages between migrants in origin and destination countries, taking account of familial, cultural, economic and political domains of development in origin countries Faist ; Faist et al.
For example, the Global Forum for Migration and Development and the United Nations High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development both accord diasporas a central role in economic development and poverty reduction in their homelands.
At the same time, scholars have discussed how remittances are invested in property, business activities and building public infrastructure projects Lacroix ; de Haas Diasporas have also contributed to development in origin countries in non-economic ways. In particular, leaders of diaspora communities have influenced new thinking about citizenship, identity and sense of belonging.
For example, India, Mexico and Pakistan have developed quasi-citizenship schemes to offer their diaspora communities a more defined political and social presence Ho et al. Empirical evidence also reveals the role of diasporas in providing assistance to their homelands in times of natural disasters and political instability Ostergaard-Nielsen ; Newland et al. Why is it important for countries to have a diaspora policy? Diaspora policies serve various aims ranging from facilitating return migration and building connections with diaspora to promoting diaspora integration into destination countries.
By granting diaspora members legal status, through such things as dual citizenship and the right to vote, governments can strengthen the nation-diaspora connection by building symbolic nationalism and engaging diaspora members in transnational activities Faist ; Mahieu When planning diaspora policies, governments need to realise that transnational social spaces are dynamic, and diaspora policies may need to be adjusted over time.
As researchers, we too have a role to play. We should aim to encourage governments in origin and destination countries and international society more broadly to develop cohesive diaspora policy instruments.
Although some policymakers see their nationals abroad as a loss, they are increasingly realizing that an engaged diaspora can be an asset — or even a counterweight to the emigration of skilled and talented migrants.
The impact of diaspora engagement is difficult to assess, due to the difficulty disentangling causation and correlation, and quantifying the impact of elusive goods like skills and knowledge transfers.
However, we do know that governments can certainly do more to remove obstacles and create opportunities for diasporas to engage in economic development. Specific actions include identifying goals, mapping diaspora location and skills, fostering a relationship of trust with the diaspora, maintaining sophisticated means of communication with the diaspora, and ultimately encouraging diaspora contributions to national development.
Governmental diaspora-focused entities in countries of origin need to play a dual role, both facilitating diaspora contributions to the homeland, and serving the diaspora. Michelle Mittelstadt [email protected]. Skip to main content. We focus on EU foreign policy and European and African policies related to conflict, migration, governance, food security, regional integration, business, finance and trade. Subscribe to receive the latest news on international cooperation, development and Africa-Europe relations.
Madichie, C. Diaspora contribution to achieving the SDGs. The role played by diaspora in the development, poverty reduction, reconstruction and growth of countries of origin has enabled tremendous change in local communities. Yet diaspora are side-lined development agents. Diaspora expertise and contributions must be better leveraged to deliver on the Agenda.
The SDGs, particularly the targets — ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration; limiting exploitation and abuse of migrants; reducing the costs of recruitment and remittances; and improving data — place diaspora engagement at the core of the development process.
Indeed, while target 1 of the SDG is focused on ending poverty, one of the means to that end is the subject of diaspora remittances as suggested by the indicators proposed for assessing this target. Similarly, target 4 is focused on ensuring healthy lives and specifically increasing the proportion of diaspora with equal access to health services in the destination country.
It a great article noteworthy that target 8a positions fair labour for diasporas as an equally important foundation for the sustainable development agenda through the creation of decent work opportunities.
And target 12 stipulates improving data with a view to establishing diaspora networks to facilitate the circulation of knowledge, ideas and technology which is fundamental in capacity building.
Paradoxically, while the diasporas are important actors in economic development, they are still mainly considered shortcuts to leveraging financing — especially remittances — channelling funds for sustained development in Africa — in a sub-optimal manner. This attitude underplays alternative platforms of innovative contributions of the diaspora.
A parochial focus of such financial contributions poses risks of failure and ultimately jeopardises the Agenda. We posit, therefore, that the impact of diaspora on the Agenda should be multidimensional and multifaceted, requiring an in-depth consideration by African governments and other stakeholders in four areas:. Diaspora remittances and financial contributions are well mobilised through various instruments including, but not limited to, bonds, securitised remittances, and special banking arrangements.
The World Bank and other development partners have revealed that remittances by African diaspora surged by 3. A larger, more consolidated option channelled towards productive investments fostering entrepreneurial rather than dependency culture is needed. Some of the potential challenges with these initiatives include navigating the technical complexity and innovative vehicles of mobilising diaspora remittances.
While multilateral agencies e. Furthermore, although remittances provide benefits at several levels, many diasporas have a preference for alternative forms of investment in their countries of origin — setting up businesses being only one of these.
The involvement of diaspora in trade and investment provides the much needed boost for investor confidence in growing economies. Capacity building is another area where technology and skills transfers and modern management practices can make a contribution.
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