An abundance of reasons, distributed across all theoretical approaches, accounts for Tajik emigration. The primary destination is Russia because of high labour demand, and there in particular Moscow, where a network of Tajiks has already established, facilitating immigration for fellow countrymen. Meanwhile, a transformation of the large Tajik rural sector is not yet visible, as Tajiks prefer to spent their remittances rather for consumer goods.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- With the end of Cold War the Soviet Union broke up and set off fundamental structural changes, transforming the former socialist states into fully independent nations with capitalist systems.
- One of these new states is the Central Asian Republic of Tajikistan – the smallest and poorest one of the CIS-countries.
- Subsequently, I will focus on international migratory processes from Tajikistan¹, regarding labour demand in the receiving area, rural transformation in the sending region, and social networks between migrants.
- Tajikistan accounts for a huge variety of migratory reasons.
- Since independence, the country has “transformed itself from a state of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to one of the largest regional labor exporters” (Erlich 2006).
- One substantial reason for leaving the country was civil war, prompting a huge number of Tajiks to migrate.
- It resulted in more than 600,000 displaced persons within the country, while around 60.000 Tajiks fled to Afghanistan or Russia.
- Moreover, the majority of Tajikistan's ethnic majorities left the country, increasingly facing harassment and discrimination (among others 300,000 Russians, 37,000 Ukrainians and 30,000 Germans, compare Encyclopedia of the Nations 2008).
- Ongoing economic hardship and political instability are further factors, based on the fact that the country's “economic situation remains fragile due to uneven implementation of structural reforms, corruption, weak governance, widespread unemployment, seasonal power shortages, and the external debt burden” (CIA 2008).
- Hence, in compliance with the new economics of migration many households decide to send at least one family member abroad (mostly Russia) in order to diversify risks and to provide for a stable income.
- In 2007, the share of official remittances in Tajik GDP equalled 36.2 % (Ratha et al. 2007), which gives a proof of how important this source of family income is in fact.
- However, a rural transformation in Tajikistan is not yet visible, as most of the sent back money goes into consumption instead of investing it into the agricultural sector, being still overregulated by an ineffective and corrupt government (Jones, Black and Skeldon 2007, p. 16).
- Furthermore, high labour demand in Russia (due to demographic changes and a rising economy) draws a lot of Tajiks in terms of segmented labour market theory.
- Since 1997, this type of migration accounts for the majority of migrants (Jones, Black and Skeldon 2007, p. 8).
- Up to 600,000 (or 18% of the adult population) are supposed to pursue unskilled seasonal work in Russia (Erlich 2006), with most of them being employed in the construction and agricultural sectors.
- Even though “the majority of labor migrants do not stay permanently, there is a substantial ethnic-Tajik immigrant community in Russia” (Erlich 2006), which according to network theory, facilitates migration for other compatriots through those ties.
- According to Jones, Black and Skeldon, Tajik migrants tend to conglomerate first and foremost in Moscow (2007, p. 9).
- To sum up: an abundance of reasons, distributed across all theoretical approaches, accounts for Tajik emigration.
- The primary destination is Russia because of high labour demand, and there in particular Moscow, where a network of Tajiks has already established, facilitating immigration for fellow countrymen.
- Meanwhile, a transformation of the large Tajik rural sector is not yet visible, as Tajiks prefer to spent their remittances rather for consumer goods.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to explore the key factors driving migration from Tajikistan, examining the interplay of labor demand in the receiving area, rural transformation in the sending region, and social networks between migrants. It seeks to analyze the relative importance of these elements in explaining the patterns of Tajik emigration. The key themes explored include:- The economic and political factors driving migration from Tajikistan
- The role of labor demand in Russia as a pull factor for Tajik migrants
- The impact of rural transformation and remittances on Tajikistan's economy
- The influence of social networks in facilitating Tajik migration
- The complex interplay of factors contributing to Tajik emigration
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
This text focuses on the migration patterns of Tajiks, analyzing the factors driving them to leave their homeland. It examines the role of civil war, economic hardship, political instability, and the pull of labor demand in Russia. The text also explores the impact of remittances on rural transformation in Tajikistan, noting the limited investment in the agricultural sector despite the importance of these funds. Social networks are also highlighted as a significant factor in facilitating migration, with Tajiks congregating in specific areas like Moscow.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This text examines the migration patterns of Tajiks, focusing on the drivers of this movement, including economic hardship, political instability, labor demand in Russia, and the role of social networks in facilitating migration. The text also explores the impact of remittances on rural transformation and the challenges of investing these funds in Tajikistan.
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- Natalie Züfle (Author), 2008, Tajik Emigration, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/180091
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