Migration out of necessity or sufficiency: A case study of circular migrants from Serbia

The concept of circular migration, much like the broader concept of migration itself, is highly diverse in its content and lacks a single, universally accepted definition. Scholars emphasize various facets, often linking it to temporary or return migration. While circular migration is not new notion in academic discussions, it has recently gained attention among policymakers, who now see it as a long-awaited solution to demographic and economic challenges. In political and public discourse, circular migration is often framed through the developmental lens of a "triple-win" model: individuals gain personal and professional opportunities; developed countries address labor shortages; and developing nations benefit from exporting surplus labor and strengthening global competitiveness through the return of citizens. This promising narrative has also reached Serbia. In this context, we explored key questions: what types of migration practices can be found among circular migrants, and do they engage in circular migration out of economic necessity or sufficiency? In order to elaborate on these questions, qualitative research was conducted with circular migrants originating from three medium-sized Serbian cities - Čačak, Užice, and Smederevo - as part of the Population Development Facility Programme, a joint initiative by the UNDP and the Ministry for Family Welfare and Demography. This study aims to shed light on the motivation behind their decisions to leave and return, as well as on their circular migration practices. The concept of circular migration employed in this research is defined by two key dimensions: (1) engagement in temporary or permanent employment abroad, and (2) regular returns to Serbia for periods of residence. The research results indicate that, while the benefits of circular migration for participants are undisputed, the group is polarized in terms of their motives, patterns of movement, and practices abroad. Moreover, many circular migrants face various forms of exploitation, which often go unnoticed by proponents of the triple-win narrative.