The Migration Studies Delegation (Delmi) hereby announces project funds for a knowledge overview: a systematic compilation of academic studies on incentives for voluntary return migration.

The Swedish government is currently examining how to revise Sweden’s incentive structures for voluntary return migration. In 2023, a governmental committee was created with the aim to review how voluntary return migration can be significantly stimulated and increased for those residing in Sweden who have connections to another country and wish to return, particularly to residents in Sweden who are regarded as not fully integrated into Swedish society (i.e., in terms of economic self-sufficiency and lack of language skills). The Swedish government has mainly focused on what level of economic incentive is needed, in comparison to the Danish model for economic incentives for voluntary return migration. The investigator of the governmental committee released the final findings in August 2024. These findings criticized an increase of the economic incentives to promote voluntary return migration, as currently proposed by the Swedish government.

When speaking of voluntary return migration, government officials often focus on frameworks driven by economic incentives. However, academic studies show other factors as decisive for the intention to return (see, for example, Cassarino 2008; King et al, 2007; Ruben et al, 2009; Koser 2000, Fokkema et al, 2016). What do we know about voluntary return migration and what are the driving forces behind why migrants within EU contexts choose to return to a third country, i.e., their country of origin or previous residence? What does the decision-making process for the migrant look like, and how do factors such as the political/welfare situation in their country of origin/previous residence, role of the diaspora, migration cycles, psychosocial well-being, and possibilities for re-integration, affect the decisions that are made?

Delmi hereby announces project funds of a maximum of SEK 100,000 (excluding social security contributions) for a knowledge overview compiling existing research on voluntary return migration beyond economic incentives. Delmi’s knowledge overview, a compilation of scientifically relevant studies within a well-delineated topic, should be written systematically and in accordance with Delmi’s Guidelines for Systematic Reviews. The study should be no longer than 95,000-130,000 characters (including spaces) and should be ready for publication in the autumn of 2025. The study can be written in English or Swedish and is intended for a wide audience.

Application

Apply by sending a project application together with CV to ju.delmi@regeringskansliet.se  

Mark the application with reference number [Komm2024/00541/Ju 2013:17]. The project application must contain a detailed project description, cost estimate and timetable. For detailed instructions on what to include in a project application, please refer to Guidelines for Project Applications for Systematic Reviews (Information for Authors). The application deadline is October 1, 2024.

Assessment criteria and conditions

To apply, you should have a doctoral degree and be affiliated with a university. The contributions will be assessed based on quality and feasibility, as well as the applicant's previous publications. The applications will be assessed by a Research Coordinator at Delmi's office in consultation with Delmi’s board members.

A first draft of the study should be ready in April 2025. A finalized report is expected by September 2025. Researcher(s) who receive project funds are expected to participate in Delmi's outreach activities such as: a round table discussion, dissemination seminar and/or podcast episode to present the study.

About Delmi

The Migration Studies Delegation is an independent committee that initiates studies and conveys research results. More information about Delmi is available on our website: (www.delmi.se).

Questions?

For questions, contact:

Constanza Vera-Larrucea: constanza.vera-larrucea@regeringskansliet.se

Anna Hammarstedt: anna.hammarstedt@regeringskansliet.se                  

or ju.delmi@regeringskansliet.se

Photography: Scott Graham