International Migration
Volume 55, Issue 3, 2017, Pages 173-186

Exit or Voice? The Recent Drivers of Kosovar Out-migration (Article)

Möllers J. , Arapi-Gjini A. , Herzfeld T. , Xhema S.
  • a Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO), Halle (Saale), Germany
  • b Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO), Halle (Saale), Germany
  • c Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO), Halle (Saale), Germany
  • d Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO), Halle (Saale), Germany

Abstract

A remarkable out-migration from Kosovo occurred after the winter 2014/15, raising urgent questions about its underlying drivers and implications for both Kosovo and the destination countries. This article aims at providing a better understanding of key migration triggers and some particularities of the phenomenon. We link our empirically found migration drivers to Hirschman's () famous exit, voice or loyalty scheme by asking in how far the exit must be understood as the explicit alternative to voicing dissatisfaction with the current situation in the country. According to our results, the recent Kosovar out-migration is a clear response to weak governance and thus goes beyond the widespread ‘migration-cum-remittances’ livelihood practice. In this sense it could be interpreted as a revolt against the political system. With view to policy implications for destination countries, we point at legal travel and migration opportunities as the better solution to channel both voice and exit. © 2017 The Authors. International Migration © 2017 IOM

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

international migration empirical analysis immigration policy policy approach migrants remittance Kosovo livelihood
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018999432&doi=10.1111%2fimig.12336&partnerID=40&md5=6b26c9311d25dc7b635d7ea620963194
DOI: 10.1111/imig.12336
ISSN: 00207985
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English