Insights from Migration Research at PRIO

The document outlines the thematic orientations and findings of PRIO's migration research team since 2007, emphasizing a holistic approach that covers the entire migration chain. Key insights challenge the forced-voluntary migration dichotomy, highlight the role of corruption in migration processes, and argue that transnational ties do not hinder integration. The report also examines the political nature of diaspora engagement and the importance of religious networks for migrants.

• The conceptual divide between 'forced' and 'voluntary' migration is often maintained for pedagogical convenience or to protect refugee rights, despite evidence that force and choice interact throughout the migration process.
• Humanitarian and development interventions that aim to contain mobility or encourage return can be counter-productive, potentially undermining the effectiveness of aid and compromising the protection of refugees.
• Corruption is pervasive across the migration cycle, acting as a driver for departure and a barrier to reintegration, although it can also facilitate safer travel for irregular migrants through the acquisition of bribed documents.
• Return migration is more accurately viewed as a series of ongoing 'return mobilities'—including short visits—rather than a single event, often shaped by livelihood strategies and security concerns.
• Transnational relationships are bidirectional processes involving the agency of both the migrant and those who remain in the country of origin, including active requests for support and reciprocity.
• Remittances are social practices based on trust and reciprocity rather than simple economic transactions; furthermore, spending them on 'consumption' (e.g., health or education) can constitute an investment in human capital.
• Maintaining strong transnational ties to a country of origin does not necessarily undermine a migrant's integration into their society of residence.
• The development sector often incorrectly views diasporas as apolitical aid workers, whereas they are actually political actors who frequently organize for change in their countries of origin.
• Religious arenas serve as critical social networks for migrants, providing not only existential support but also practical information on housing and labour markets.

APA

Carling, J., Erdal, M. B., & Tellander, E. (2017). Insights from Migration Research at PRIO. Peace Research Institute Oslo. https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/1a88ea38-0502-4f3d-aaaf-3c2786f1a9db/Insights from Migration Research at PRIO.pdf?inline=true

Chicago

Carling, Jørgen, Marta Bivand Erdal, and Ebba Tellander. Insights from Migration Research at PRIO. Peace Research Institute Oslo, 2017. https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/1a88ea38-0502-4f3d-aaaf-3c2786f1a9db/Insights from Migration Research at PRIO.pdf?inline=true.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Carling |first1=Jørgen |last2=Erdal |first2=Marta Bivand |last3=Tellander |first3=Ebba |title=Insights from Migration Research at PRIO |publisher=Peace Research Institute Oslo |date=2017 |url=https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/1a88ea38-0502-4f3d-aaaf-3c2786f1a9db/Insights from Migration Research at PRIO.pdf?inline=true |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{carling2017insights, author = {Carling, Jørgen and Erdal, Marta Bivand and Tellander, Ebba}, title = {{Insights from Migration Research at PRIO}}, institution = {Peace Research Institute Oslo}, year = {2017}, url = {https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/1a88ea38-0502-4f3d-aaaf-3c2786f1a9db/Insights from Migration Research at PRIO.pdf?inline=true}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }