The saga of the returnee: exploring the implication of involuntary return migration, for development. A case study of the reintegration process for ghanaian migrant workers from Libya

Abstract

This thesis presents findings from a study that investigated the reintegration experiences of the returned Ghanaian migrants from Libya. The study, which was conducted in four communities employed qualitative methods to uncover the many complexities of involuntary return and its implications for development in southern countries; an under-researched area in the migration-return nexus. The findings highlight the effect of the sudden loss of remittances on family expenditure, especially the education of children, and reveal the coping strategies adopted by returnees in the absence of formal reintegration assistance. Successful reintegration has not occurred for the majority of returnees who are being induced by unfavorable economic circumstances and the absence of reintegration assistance to re-emigrate. The absence of an explicit migration policy has led to the neglect of returnees and caused the nation to miss the potential benefits of return migration for development.