Field Study of Return Migration Infrastructure (RMI) in Tbilisi on February 19-22, 2024 as part of GAPs project by CMR UW team

Symbols for Ukraine and sympathy for the EU on the streets of Tbilisi; Source: Mateusz Krępa

Two researchers from the Polish team of the Horizon Europe GAPs project at the Centre of Migration Research of the University of Warsaw (CMR UW), Mateusz Krępa and Tomasz Sieniow, were on a field study in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, between February 19-22, 2024, in connection with research conducted under Working Package 3, which concerns the Return Migration Infrastructure (RMI). One of the objectives of the project is to examine different aspects of return migration in selected countries by focusing on the implementation of return policies, practices, institutions, technologies, and actors engaged in the implementation of return, the different dimensions of the RMI, and the gaps between policies and practices. By RMI, we understand the network of actors, doings, and materials that make voluntary or forced returns happen. To achieve this specific objective, the CMR UW team is focused on two research activities in two countries: Poland, the sending country, and Georgia, the country receiving returnees. In the case of Georgia fieldwork, we wanted to learn more about the context of return policy in this country (also in the historical context), how returnees have been received/are received, what RMI looks like, and what were/are reintegration strategies/policies. We conducted interviews with the representatives of public administration, international organisations, social organisations, and other experts and practitioners with knowledge and expertise regarding return migration, return policy and reintegration in this country. The fieldwork was very successful, with several interviews conducted. The collected qualitative material will be used for scientific purposes, including publications and conferences. Stay tuned in 2024!