Original scientific paper
Contemporary Migration Processes between Koprivnica and Federal Republic of Germany
Monika Balija
orcid.org/0000-0001-7350-2798
; Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The paper presents the results of research into contemporary migration processes between Koprivnica and Germany. The research aims to determine the volume and motives of emigration from Koprivnica to Germany after Croatia enters into the European Union. When analyzing the volume of emigration from Koprivnica to Germany, data from the State Statistical Office were used, while the motives for emigration were determined using a qualitative approach, i.e. semi-structured interviews with twenty-two Koprivnica residents who emigrated to Germany after Croatia entered into the European Union. The results of the research showed that since Croatia entered into the European Union, more precisely from 2013 to 2021, 1,026 people have emigrated from Koprivnica to Germany. The majority of respondents cited economic factors as the primary motivations for emigrating from Koprivnica, i.e. the inability to solve the housing issue, repay long-term loans and cover the costs of children's education, but also dissatisfaction with work status, working conditions and salary, and an unsatisfactory working environment in their native region. Among the attractive factors of immigrating to Germany, respondents most often pointed out better economic opportunities, i.e. higher wages, better employment opportunities and greater opportunities for advancement and professional development in Germany, and social migrant networks also had a strong influence on respondents' emigration to Germany. In addition, the results of the research indicated the need for a more active approach of local authorities in the framework of support for young people and families in Koprivnica, especially when it comes to housing policy, i.e. solving the housing issue, which respondents often cited as a push factor for emigration from Koprivnica.
Keywords
emigration; motives; demographic development; Koprivnica; Republic of Croatia; Federal Republic of Germany
Hrčak ID:
312710
URI
Publication date:
1.6.2023.
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