Remigrate

Remigrate is a term used to describe the act of migrating again after an initial migration has taken place. It can refer to returning to a country of origin after living abroad, as well as relocating to another destination following an earlier move. The word captures repetition in migration journeys and is distinct from first-time migration, ongoing settlement, or permanent relocation.

Remigration can be internal, within the same country, or international, crossing borders. It may be voluntary or compelled by economic conditions, family ties, discrimination, or environmental change. In demography and migration studies, remigration is often discussed alongside circular migration, return migration, and brain circulation, highlighting how migrants repeatedly move across places as part of long-term life courses.

Impacts of remigration appear on both origin and destination communities. It can affect labor markets, population age structure, and social networks; remitters send money and goods; knowledge and skills may be exercised across borders in a process called brain circulation. Policy considerations include residency status, recognition of prior residence, and support for reintegration in the second host country.

Measurement of remigration in official statistics is challenging due to multi-country lifecourses and varying definitions. Researchers rely on census data, migration histories, and longitudinal surveys. Policy and scholarly attention emphasize diaspora engagement and flexible visa regimes to accommodate repeated moves, while monitoring potential social and economic costs.

See also: circular migration, return migration, diaspora networks.