Strengthening Connections between Young Migrants and the Sending Local Society: Policy Recommendations
Strengthening Connections between Young Migrants and the Sending Local Society: Policy Recommendations

Summary/Abstract: This paper presents a few the empirical antecedents and the conclusions of the YOUMIG research carried out in Sfântu Gheorghe (Covasna County, Romania). Similar analyses were prepared in six settlements in the Danube region: Burgas (Bulgaria), Graz (Austria), Kanjiža (Serbia), Maribor (Slovenia), Rača District of Bratislava (Slovakia), and Szeged (Hungary). Despite the fact that approximately 3.6 million Romanians live abroad and 47% of Romanian young people aged between 16 and 35 years plan to spend abroad shorter or longer periods, Romania does not have a migration and a diaspora policy. The reasons of migration can be classified in three main categories: economic (wages, labour market perspectives, general welfare), educational (acquiring new knowledge), and institutional (corruption, company policy). The main reasons of returning are family, home, and health. The study presents empirical research on youth migration in Romania and in Sfântu Gheorghe as well as conclusions of the YOUMIG interviews, focus-group discussions, and statistical analyses. Finally, it formulates interviewees’ and experts’ recommendations on strengthening connections between young migrants and the sending local society.

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