Pregledni rad
Decitizenization of Migrants in Slovenia
Mojca Pajnik
orcid.org/0000-0001-5089-1559
Sažetak
The article addresses the social and economic conditions of migrant workers from the former Yugoslav
states who form the vast majority of the migrant population in Slovenia. Based on the analysis of
policies that regulate the work of “foreigners” and on the assessment of recent anti-crisis measures
we argue that the current securitization approach, which aims to protect the national labour market,
exacerbates the poor work and life conditions of migrants. We look into the current massive
layoffs of migrant workers due to the closing of companies and the subsequent return of migrants
to their countries of birth, which is a trend supported by “circular migration” policies. Furthermore,
we explore recent xenophobic sentiments, as well as emerging solidarity with migrants. Particular
attention is devoted to nuances in the definitions of migrants that are motivated by the protectionistprone
ideologies of a young state. The article relies on data on migration trends and policies during
the recent period (2008–2012), but also draws on interviews and focus groups with migrants. The
issues raised are debated with theories of citizenship. Namely, we discuss the processes of “(de)
citizenization” of migrants in Slovenia and the constructions by which former “co-nationals” were
turned into “third country nationals.”
Ključne riječi
migration; citizenship; securitization; labour market; Slovenia
Hrčak ID:
94746
URI
Datum izdavanja:
24.12.2012.
Posjeta: 829 *