Florentin-Titov GHERGHE
| Abstract: | The dynamics of Romanian return migration have long been overshadowed by the scale of emigration; they are becoming visible as communities abroad mature. The migrants consistently consider returning, and this intention is classified into various types, such as permanent return (often upon retirement) or re-migration (subsequent departure, indicating failure to reintegrate). Although nearly half of the study participants in Canada view returning positively, few have concrete plans, demonstrating the importance of objective factors in the decision to return. The decision is a “complex cocktail” of factors of attraction like the opportunity to invest remittances in property and the desire to enjoy a lower cost of living in retirement. In contrast, reintegration is strongly hindered by deep dissatisfaction with institutional quality in Romania, perceived as being marked by corruption and a lack of meritocracy. Subjectively, a constant factor is the emotional cost of uprooting, such as homesickness, which acts as a powerful force of attraction. However, upon returning, migrants often encounter social mistrust and mental differences, making social reintegration challenging and increasing the likelihood of re-emigration. |
| Keywords: | return migration, remittances, migrant capital, institutional quality, social reintegration, re-migration |