This paper examines some of the conceptual and definitional constraints associated with the use of statistical data on international migration in Europe. It explores the research potential of using large-scale international datasets in qualitative research, with particular reference to migration data in cross-national social research. The approach suggested is to identify specific reference data subsets with the aid of detailed documentation and metadata, and to use carefully selected migration data as indicators in the analysis of global economic, political and social structures, and social processes. Drawing on knowledge of Eurostat’s database on international migration, examples are presented in which recognition of the data problems can help the user to identify subsets that aid qualitative research on migration related topics. © 1999 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

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