Cross-state mobility of European naturalised third-country nationals

Abstract

Drawing on a framework that integrates discursive practices and relationalism, we explore the relevance of relational ties for the cross-state mobility of naturalised third-country nationals (NTCNs) within the European Union, examining how relational ties facilitate their mobility to the UK. Our data derive from in-depth interviews with NTCNs of West African origin living and working in the UK. Emphasising how co-ethnic diaspora-based networks produce (un)planned cross-state mobility outcomes, we identify five stages in the mobility process: sensemaking of an imperfect structural incorporation in the naturalised country; co-ethnic diaspora conversations; squaring circles; reconnaissance visits; and taking the plunge. Our study reveals how shared collective identities are replicated in transnational networks to inform mobility decisions. Although West African NTCNs may lack the social and cultural capital needed to exploit opportunities in industrialised societies, relationally they are well endowed. The geographically extended relational capital they bring with them, and the access to opportunities this affords, we suggest, helps compensate for deficits in situated social capital and constitutes a primary determinant of success in cross-state mobility.

‘Wish to Dream’ Fulfilment: the Motivations for Onward Migration

“…They expected their new citizenship to bring economic advantage, global mobility, a sense of welfare and security, and a change in social status. Sarpong (2018) assertion of the 'relevance of relational ties for free mobility of naturalised third-country nationals within the European Union ' Sarpong (2018: 50) confirm the experiences of the participants in the study.…”

“…Migrants who have obtained a European naturalisation are defined as 'Naturalised third-country nationals' (NTCN), they are those who after the required period of residence in a European country, obtain citizenship and then decided to migrate to their preferred European member state (Sarpong, 2018). Therefore, they are not interested in remaining in the country of first migration, but, rather, wish to 'acquire the necessary resources for mobility'.…”

“…The existing literature on the onward migration of the above two groups investigate the irregular immigration of Pakistanis and Bangladeshis to Italy and addresses issues such as legal and undocumented movements, sexuality, and masculinity (Ahmad, 2016;Reyneri, 1998a, b). Others have focused on the experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants from other parts of the world (Kostakopoulou, 2002;Sarpong, 2018) as opposed to the onward migration motivations of naturalised Italians. Studies on onward migration and transmigration in the United Kingdom (UK) have mainly focused on London, and only on Italian-Bangladeshis (Della Puppa & King, 2018;Della Puppa & Sredanovic, 2017;Mapril, 2021) with little attention to the motivations of onward migration of naturalised Pakistanis.…”

Onward migration and intra‐European mobilities: A critical and theoretical overview

“…The term “onward migration” (Nekby, 2006; Mas Giralt, 2017; Ramos, 2018) is part of the framework for reflections on intra‐European mobility, in which migrants originating from a third country and “naturalised” or holding an European long‐term residence permit are the protagonists (Tuckett, 2016; Sarpong et al ., 2018). Unlike the protagonists of mobility presented above, the migrants involved in onward migration would not have planned this migration reactivation at the beginning of their migration experience (Toma & Castagnone, 2015; Mas Giralt, 2017; King & Karamoschou, 2019).…”

Se hace camino al andar. Reemigración de latinoamericanos desde España hacia otros países europeos (2006-2018)

“…En cuanto a la relación de las migraciones sucesivas con las prácticas y redes transnacionales, numerosas investigaciones señalan su importancia, pues éstas proporcionan información y recursos acerca del país de siguiente destino (Sarpong et al, 2018). Contar con una comunidad diaspórica es un activo más del capital migratorio, así como la experiencia y el conocimiento aportado por la primera migración (Ahrens et al, 2016;Martiniello y Rea, 2017).…”