Out-migration and Circular Migration: Impacts on Regions and Communities

Conference theme
The conference of the Research Network on Migration, Inter-Connectivity and Regional Development (MICaRD) was organised in cooperation with the University of Warsaw. The conference focused on the influence of migration on regional and local development, particularly in relation to out-migration and circular migration (both internal and international). The impact of these processes can be particularly strong in rural areas and small towns as the growing number of emigrants quickly translates into significant rates of emigration. Thus, less populated areas are particularly vulnerable to negative and positive consequences of out-migration. Migration commonly stems from limited development perspectives and can additionally undermine development capabilities. Consequently, local communities can be seen as convenient laboratories to conduct in-depth research on out-migration.

In recent years, many regions in Europe have faced increased emigration. Policy debates and popular media discussions usually focus on the negative aspects of out-migration, including depopulation, decline of the economic base, outflow of human capital, separated families and the emergence of euro-orphans. However, out-migration can also bring positive outcomes. Direct monetary transfers from emigrants to remaining family members marks only the most apparent positive effect of out-migration.

The aim of the conference was to stimulate debate on the multidimensional relations between out-migration, circular migration and various aspects of regional and local developments. Moving the discussion forward, a key focus was on new international linkages, links between internal and international migration, and networks that emerge, as well as the role that these can play in developing new approaches to policy and wider collaboration between regions. To this end, the conference seeked papers that employ innovative, inter-disciplinary, trans-disciplinary and critical approaches.

Download the conference programme: PDF

Conference photo gallery - selected paper presenters, session chairs and discussatns

Further information
• For further information on the conference, please send an email to Adam Ploszaj: a.ploszaj@uw.edu.pl
• For information on the MICaRD network go to: www.regionalstudies.org/networks/network/migration-inter-connectivity-and-regional-development-micard
• For information on the Regional Studies Association go to: www.regionalstudies.org

Event organisers
• The Regional Studies Association Research Network on: Migration, Inter-Connectivity and Regional Development (MICaRD):
 - Dr Gary Bosworth, School of Geography, University of Lincoln, UK.
 - Dr Philomena De Lima, University of the Highlands and Islands, UK.
 - Dr Ruth McAreavey, Newcastle University, UK.
 - Dr Agnieszka Rydzik, Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, UK.
 - Dr Danica Šantić, Faculty of Geography, University of Belgrade, Serbia.
• Centre for European Regional and Local Studies, University of Warsaw, Poland.
 - Dr hab. Agnieszka Olechnicka
 - Dr Adam Ploszaj
• Centre for Migration Research, University of Warsaw, Poland.
 - Dr Marta Anacka
 - Dr hab. Paweł Kaczmarczyk
 - Prof. Stefan Markowski
• Institute for Social Studies, University of Warsaw, Poland.
 - Dr Anna Domaradzka-Widła
 - Dr hab. Tomasz Zarycki