Rethinking Return Migration: Policies, Realities, and Gaps is an eight-part video series that explores return migration in Europe through current research and policy analysis from the Horizon Europe “GAPs” Project. Moving beyond simplified narratives, the series examines how return decisions are made, how policies are implemented, and where gaps emerge between intention and impact. By combining research insights with public perceptions and personal return stories, Rethinking Return Migration offers a grounded look at how return is understood, debated, and lived in practice.
After fleeing 27 years ago, Asmir makes the deeply personal decision to return to Bosnia for the first time since his escape, confronting memories of loss, displacement, and the question of what “home” truly means.
The first video in the series ‘Rethinking Return Migration – Policies, Realities, and Gaps’ introduces the concept of return migration and the different terminology used in policy and public discourse in Europe.
What is the legal and ethical basis for return migration processes in the EU? What are the standards that must be met for a return to be considered “voluntary”?
Public debates about migration and return often frame migrants and refugees as victims of difficult situations and restrictive laws. But is this reflective of their lived realities?
What happens to migrants when they return to their country of origin? And what does it take for their return and reintegration to really work?
Return migration is often framed around numbers and obligations. But do these debates fully account for time, community ties, and lived realities?
After building a life in Germany, Mohammad Nazar returns to Afghanistan in hopes of reuniting with his fiancée, only to face barriers and insecurity.
What can research tell us about return migration — and how can it help close the gap between policy and lived experience?
Watch on YouTube
All videos in this series are available as a playlist for your viewing pleasure on the Migration Matters YouTube channel. Make sure to click on the subtitles button to see what other languages the series is available in!
These videos were produced by Migration Matters e.V. as part of the EU’s Horizon Europe Research Program (HORIZON-CL2-2022-TRANSFORMATIONS-01-09, Project Reference GAPs 101094341), financed by the European Union. The opinions expressed are those of the contractor and do not necessarily represent the contracting authority’s official position.
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