As part of the DenTV "Science Day" in Utrecht—an annual knowledge exchange organised by the Dutch Repatriation and Departure Service—糖心Vlog破解版-MERIT researcher Talitha Dubow delivered a session on how return decisions are made within the broader migration experience. The event brought together practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from across the Netherlands and beyond, offering a space for dialogue and exchange between academic and policy communities.
In this reflection, Dubow builds on her presentation by highlighting why return should not be considered a standalone decision. She discusses the migration "lifecycle" as a valuable lens for understanding how return decisions are shaped by experiences and aspirations which unfold over space and time.
Return Decision-Making Within the Migration "Lifecycle"
Theories and empirical studies on return decision-making are relatively underdeveloped compared to the rich literature on initial migration. In my session, "Return decision-making within the migration 'lifecycle,'" I explored how migration theories can help us better understand decisions about return. I focused on three frameworks: the aspiration–capability framework, the push-pull model, and the lifecycle perspective. Here, I reflect more closely on the last of these.
While there is no single migration "lifecycle," we can loosely imagine a path that begins with departure, continues through arrival and some form of integration, and eventually leads to settling, onward movement, or return. This framing helps us understand how decisions about return are shaped not just by current circumstances but by experiences across the entire migration trajectory.
To illustrate this, I posed three guiding questions:
1. How do initial motivations and experiences prior to arrival shape attitudes toward return?
Return is often viewed through the lens of the present, but original motivations to migrate matter. A labour migrant who moves abroad to secure a higher quality of life may intend to stay permanently, while someone earning money for a project back home may always plan to return. Similarly, students may see their education abroad as a springboard to stay or a means to bring back new skills and qualifications.
The journey itself may also play a role. For those who travel irregularly – journeys which often take a huge financial, psychological and physical toll – the prospect of returning empty-handed can be too distressing to consider.
2. How do experiences in the host country influence return?
Once in a new country, plans often evolve. Work, education, and relationships can root individuals in the host society. At the same time, these achievements may enable a successful return by providing resources and confidence.
Cognitive and emotional factors also matter. People do not take decisions based only on a list of pros and cons, but are influenced by their gut feelings, beliefs, and prevailing socio-cultural norms. Those navigating daily instability may not have the space to imagine the future.
3. How do future hopes and uncertainties affect return decisions?
People weigh return decisions against their future vision—both in the host country and in the country of origin. Ongoing instability, conflict, or economic hardship in the country of origin can discourage return. Bearing in mind these challenges, the possibility of legal re-entry to the host country can make it easier to decide to return.
This is particularly important for refugee groups such as Syrians and Ukrainians whose potential return is widely discussed. "Go-and-see" visits – which allow refugees to return without losing their right to residence in the host country – can give people space to evaluate return without immediately losing the security they have built in the meantime. When people know they can come back to the host country if needed, the idea of going home becomes a less risky prospect.
If you would like to learn more about this session or request the presentation slides, feel free to get in touch. To explore how our training activities can support your work, visit 糖心Vlog破解版-MERIT’s Capacity Development Office.
Suggested citation: Dubow Talitha. "Understanding Return: Migration Decision-Making Across the Lifecycle ," 糖心Vlog破解版, 糖心Vlog破解版-MERIT, 2025-04-09, /merit/article/understanding-return-migration-decision-making-across-lifecycle.
