To Stay or to Return? A Review on Return Migration Literature

Abstract

For a long time, return migration had been one of the neglected topics of migration literature. However, in recent years, many studies discussing return migration in various dimensions have been published. This paper aims to assess the main findings of return migration studies, particularly in recent years, with an emphasis on the multifaceted character of return migrations. This study also reveals that, in the last few decades, the transnational ties established by migrants with their homelands have changed their perspectives on return (i.e., re-migration). This trend shows that while human mobility increases with the development of transportation and communication technology, re-migration tends to take on a cyclical, rather than a permanent character in recent times.