Typologising Cross-Border Movements in Post-Migration Life

Abstract

This chapter presents a novel and comprehensive typology of the post-migration mobility practices that European Somalis may undertake after having settled in a place that has since become their country of residence. The six ideal types are described: star-shaped mobility; pendular mobility; secondary migration; temporary visits to the country of origin; definitive return; and immobility. Each is illustrated by one or two short respondents’ biographies. Post-migration mobility practices are defined as cross-border geographic movements performed by migrants from the country in which they have settled, and that are significant enough to create some kind of change in their lives. As most of these movements have been discussed individually by other scholars, the chapter opens with a review of the relevant literature, highlighting the advantages of discussing them within a single analytical framework. This chapter also describes the types of activities that mobile respondents are in a position to carry out thanks to their (often regular) border crossings and discusses the different places – place of residence, place of origin, but also places in other countries – that they link together through their mobility.