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opinion
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The Greater Caribbean This Week Strong ties between societies of origin and the diasporas support development by Rubén Silié Return processes and the ties between migrants and their countries of origin have been evaluated by and large as appropriate means of contributing to the development of the sending societies, based on the opportunities derived from the return of human resources, as well as the resulting economic, scientific/technological, political and cultural links. Consequently, nation-states have demonstrated their openness to formulating and implementing policies geared toward the return of migrants. Said policies vary based on the nature of the return and the historical contexts of the migration, both global and national. Migrants have built and reproduced, spontaneously and from the bottom, multiple and solid ties with their families, towns and societies of origin. In recent years the sending states have progressively been inclined to embark on political actions aimed at fostering closer ties with their diasporas of emigrants. Such actions must undoubtedly be strengthened and diversified. 1) Two of the basic links that support the relations between citizens and modern nation-states are those of nationality and democratic representative participation in political life. Two fundamental elements that foster close ties between migrants and their countries of origin are the possibility of voting from abroad and the preservation of their nationality of origin, though they have acquired another nationality. Several nations are considering the possibility of voting from abroad and others are taking steps to implement such a system. Similarly, some countries have embarked on constitutional reform in order to allow for dual citizenships. 2) Establishing stronger and multiple links with migrants involves reinforcing functions and actions geared toward assistance, information, education and the strengthening of activities aimed at socio-cultural rapprochement. Their deployment, as previously indicated, requires Foreign Service reforms in the said countries. Some have already initiated this process through the adoption of ongoing programs aimed at establishing ties with migrant communities. 3) The circulation of migrants and the conduct of brief visits on their part are processes of great magnitude, involving a very high concentration over a few months, such as during the Christmas festivities, feasts of patron saints, summer vacation, etc. Such visits should be encouraged and steps should be taken to facilitate the procedures. Incentives should be given and undesirable practices linked to these massive returns, which result in complaints by migrants, should be avoided. Additionally, sector meetings (business, scientific-professional, educational, etc.) should be promoted and sponsored, with a view to bringing together migrant groups and national sectors and strengthening their relations, through seminars, conferences, meetings, workshops, etc. 4) The establishment of networks provides great opportunities for fostering ties and circulating knowledge and experience. Such networks have been set up in the scientific and technological arenas, as a means of establishing links between scientists and professionals, thereby enabling the national community to benefit from scientific competencies, without the need for a physical return. It is of utmost importance that the experiences of these networks be encouraged and extended to countries that have hitherto not incorporated such programs. 5) One of the basic practices with respect to the relationship between migrants and their families and countries is the transfer of family remittances and other such transfers. Extensive literature, including specific recommendations, has recently been generated with respect to their promotion and use in development. Special mention must also be made of the need to encourage what is referred to as community remittances, i.e. the donations sent by migrant organizations for social work or humanitarian action, often on a local scale. 6) As part of the objectives of establishing ties with migrant communities assistance, vigilance and protection with respect to the human and labor rights of migrants must be prioritized. Within the framework of these actions, a pertinent suggestion is the establishment of observatories to follow-up on the bad/good practices as regards rights, working conditions and other key elements, and the generation of periodic reports. Non-governmental social organizations must play a key role in the establishment of these observatories.
(This document reproduces parts of a more extensive study presented by the author at the recently conducted Latin American Meeting on Migration.)
Dr. Rubén Silié Valdez is the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States. The opinions expressed are not necessarily the official views of the ACS. Comments and reactions can be sent to mail@acs-aec.
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