Mixed fragmented migrations of Iraqis and challenges to Iraqi refugee integration: the Jordanian experience

Origin and transit migration of Afghans and Syrians to Germany: The influential actors and factors behind the destination choice

“…Our findings on reasons behind transit migration of Afghans are lack of legal residence permits, fear of deportation, barriers to education and employment, exploitation of their labor, explicit racism, ethnic and racial discrimination, and lack of prospects, results which are partly in line with those of Dimitriadi (2017). Syrians mentioned similar, although less difficult, experiences in transit which are in line with the findings of Dankwah and Valenta (2018) about the insufficient reception conditions for Iraqis in Jordan and Kvittingen et al, (2018) findings on "protracted temporariness" and adverse reception conditions as the main push factor for Iraqi and Syrian refugees' secondary migration from Jordan. In short, it is not only the physical threats, insecurity or war that lead to migration, but the pursuit of mental wellbeing and social, political and economic security, and the long-term prospects for families with children, that are considered as the major factors which have shaped people's decisions to initiate secondary movements and to take the life-threatening path to Europe.…”

“…In short, it is not only the physical threats, insecurity or war that lead to migration, but the pursuit of mental wellbeing and social, political and economic security, and the long-term prospects for families with children, that are considered as the major factors which have shaped people's decisions to initiate secondary movements and to take the life-threatening path to Europe. Some factors, including expectations for refugee protection such as the welcoming culture of Germany for Syrians and the rise and fall of the West Balkan corridor were seen as an opportunity for migration to Europe (Dankwah & Valenta, 2018;Mandić, 2017). These reasons were specifically stated by those who were in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan or Iran.…”

“…Migration without a strictly defined point of destination and in several separate stages is designated as a fragmented journey (Collyer, 2010; Dankwah & Valenta, 2018). Collyer believes that fragmented migration is due to restricted immigration (“immigration controls”) in attractive destinations such as Europe, North America and Australia.…”

“…For instance, Kvittingen et al, (2018) focused on the experiences of Iraqi and Syrian refugees in Jordan and explored their aspirations for onward migration. There are studies on Iraqi refugees in Jordan by Dankwah and Valenta (2018) and by Collyer (2010) on a very specific type of stranded migrants based in Morocco, and a study on reluctant and stranded migrants in transit in Croatia by (Valenta, Zuparic‐Iljic & Vidovic, 2015). These studies were conducted on refugees in the countries of transit, whereas we study the matter from the perspective of refugees in the country of destination which allows us to explore the steps and process between transit and destination countries.…”

“…Their findings recognize smugglers as the major players in the choice of final destination. Collyer (2010) and Dankwah and Valenta (2018) both found that technology and social links in the destination country facilitate the migration of poorer individuals from sub‐Saharan Africa to Europe. Some studies suggested a relatively complex mix of political, social, economic and personal reasons in origin or transit countries as factors that force people to migrate (Dankwah & Valenta, 2018; Dimitriadi, 2017).…”