Introduction

Migration research, in its theoretical and empirical forms, has so far largely concentrated on the analysis and explanation of primary mobility processes. However, considerable counter-flows always existed, starting with the historic transatlantic emigration waves, which were believed to be temporary in at least one quarter of the cases (Bade 2002: 141f). A great portion of labour migration from Southern European countries to Northwest Europe was temporary as well. Böhning (1979) estimates that more than 1.5 million of these guest workers returned home during the 1970s, with return rates varying for each sending country concerned. Contrary to transatlantic emigration, the guest worker migration from the 1960s and 1970s was originally conceived as a temporary movement, and even though actual mobility behaviour did not always follow this political agenda, there was a rising interest in the probability of return migration and reintegration in the country of origin. Hence, a growing body of empirical studies on return migration of guest workers has developed since the 1970s (for reviews see Entzinger 1978 and King 1979). Many of those studies followed neoclassical approaches, measuring the return probability of labour migrants from Southern European countries. A further focus of the European migration research agenda was the nexus of return migration and development, mainly in the context of return to less developed countries, the evaluation of return and resettlement programmes and the question of ‘brain return’.

Remigration is a dominant feature in the current post EU-enlargement situation. Following the massive emigration waves from A-8 and A-2 countries after EU accession, considerable counter-flows can be observed. Emigrating as well as remigrating post-accession migrants significantly differ from pre-accession migrants, typically being younger and better educated (see Anacka, Matejko & Nestorowicz; Moskal; Pietka, Clark and Canton; Trevena; and Wolfeil in this volume). This raises concerns about brain drain and questions about the possible scope for regaining human capital through remigration. However, empirical work on those topics so far is scarce. Interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional discussion of theoretical and methodological approaches are needed to appropriately tackle the various questions identified in the context of remigration. These issues include the exact measurement of return migration flows, an appropriate typology of return migrants according to their socio-economic profile, the sustainability of return, as well as the transfer of social and human capital and the initiation of economic development upon return.