Temporary migration of Romanian Roma people to European countries.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Migration Studies
• European Studies

Background:

• Roma face significant social exclusion, discrimination (Antigypsyism), poverty, and limited opportunities in Europe.
• International migration is a key strategy for Roma seeking to improve their socio-economic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the push-pull factors influencing international migration and return migration of Roma from Olt County, Romania.
• To analyze the socio-economic and cultural effects of this migration on the Roma community and their region of origin.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach combining a questionnaire survey with 796 Roma migrants and semi-structured interviews with 15 institutional representatives.
• Data collected from Roma individuals with international temporary migration experience residing in Olt County, Romania.

Main Results:

• Economic and socio-cultural factors are primary drivers for both emigration and return migration.
• Host country climate and language ease are identified as new pull factors; family and migration disappointment are key return factors.
• Return migration yields mixed impacts: positive cultural exchange and educational awareness, but also negative effects like increased unemployment and a tarnished national image.

Conclusions:

• Findings support and expand the push-pull theory, revealing differing perceptions of migration drivers between Roma and institutional representatives.
• Return migration has multifaceted economic, socio-cultural, educational, and policy implications, often amplifying initial migration problems.
• The interconnectedness of migration factors and return effects underscores the urgent need for effective social integration policies for the Roma population.