Information Sharing and Decision-Making: Attempts by Ghanaian Return Migrants to Enter through Libya

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between irregular migration, access to information and migration decisions. Using semi-structured interviews of thirty irregular return migrants who failed to reach their European destinations through Libya, I show that irregular return migrants from Ghana rely predominantly on interpersonal sources, including colleagues, neighbors, friends and relatives, for information on migration. Return migrants seek information from those who have relevant experience with that kind of migration. Existing research focuses on information from ‘formal’ sources such as traditional print media, social media, library or workshops. Here I argue that this focus on access to information conceals the activities and practices of irregular return migrants who perceive European destinations as ‘greener pastures’ and seek information to travel through dangerous routes. Most irregular return migrants interviewed in this study indicated they had access to information from ‘informal’ sources often shared as ‘jokes.’ Although irregular return migrants perceive the information they gather through their everyday activities as reliable, their interactions involve complex and unstructured social processes.

Inside the ‘efficacy gap’: Migration policy and the dynamics of encounter

“…In others, the knowledge transferred by these campaigns ‘from above’ may be undermined or contested by competing claims to knowledge sought and found elsewhere. Research shows that migrants' awareness of potential routes and destinations is often based, at least in part, on rumour and anecdotal information provided by family, friends, acquaintances and brokers—both before departure and whilst on the move (Crawley et al, 2018; Hagen‐Zanker & Mallett, 2016; Koomson‐Yalley, 2021; Lyberaki et al, 2008). Though the information provided through these means can be of varying quality and accuracy, as some of the above examples from Ethiopia show, it can nonetheless prove influential in guiding people's choices.…”

“…Our findings from this study about the role that known social connections can play in enhancing the legitimacy of certain kinds of information—particularly when those are connections with whom the individual already shares a relationship of (at least some) trust, including friends, family members, travelling companions or even a smuggler who came recommended (Hagen‐Zanker & Mallett, 2016)—are mirrored in a wider analysis of the link between the source of information and extent of trustworthiness. For example, one recent study into irregular migration from Ghana found that information about travelling to Europe via dangerous routes is often shared in the form of ‘funny stories’, strengthening the relationship between mediator and migrant and thus deepening the trustworthiness of the information shared (Koomson‐Yalley, 2021).…”

“…Within the literature on migration decision-making, research that looks specifically at the role of policy shows that information about proposed or implemented measures does not always filter down accurately to people either looking to migrate or already on the move(Crawley & Hagen-Zanker, 2019;Koomson-Yalley, 2021). This can happen for a number of reasons.…”