Tagasitulevaid

Tagasitulevaid is an Estonian term used in migration studies to describe people who return to Estonia after living abroad for a period. The word is the plural partitive form of tagasitulev, formed from tagas- meaning "back" and tulema meaning "to come." In usage, tagasitulevaid appears in phrases such as tagasitulevad inimesed or tagasitulevaid perekondi to denote returning individuals or groups.

Context and meaning: Return migration has become a notable component of Estonian demography, especially since the 1990s and during periods of economic change within the European Union. Returnees may come from neighboring Nordic and Western European countries, North America, or elsewhere. Common motives include improved economic conditions at home, family ties, housing, or the desire to participate in domestic social and political life. Reintegration challenges can include requalifying foreign credentials, language use, and adapting to local labor markets and public services.

Research and policy: Tagasitulevaid are studied within migration and demography to understand their size, regional distribution, and economic impact. Estonian researchers and, at times, government agencies examine pull and push factors, social networks, and returnees' contributions to entrepreneurship and the labor market. Some policies and programs aim to facilitate return migration and reintegration, though specifics vary over time.

See also: Return migration, Migration, Emigration, Demography, Estonia, Migration policy.