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Undocumented worker transitions: family migration

Anna Paraskevopoulou (Working Lives Research Institute, London Metropolitan University, London, UK)

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

ISSN: 0144-333X

Article publication date: 1 March 2011

1271

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss family migration through the findings of the undocumented worker transitions (UWT) European Union funded, sixth framework project, which was completed in February 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on results from 211 interviews across seven European countries, together with the current literature on the subject, the paper identifies types of family migration and examines the implications of migration policies and measures in relation to family life and the position of individuals within it, such as women, children or the older people. The paper argues that family‐related reasons often play a central role in the decision to migrate and shape employment experiences.

Findings

Independent of restrictions imposed by various states to control migration, family‐related migration does occur in destinations considered to provide economic prosperity (or survival) with the help of social networks and often with the intention of settling permanently/semi‐permanently in the host state. Status shift towards irregularity often translates to a more vulnerable position in the labour market, inviting exploitation and worsening of the working conditions as a result of precarious employment conditions.

Social implications

The paper concludes that greater protection (in terms of status) and encouragement (in terms of involvement in the civic society) is needed for migrant families in order to enable integration and combat future disadvantage and discrimination that might be experienced by this group.

Originality/value

The paper places emphasis on irregular migrants, as research in this area is limited. The work is also original as it is based on primary research on the experiences of undocumented migrants in seven European countries.

Keywords

Citation

Paraskevopoulou, A. (2011), "Undocumented worker transitions: family migration", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 31 No. 1/2, pp. 110-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443331111104832

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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