Migrations, social networks and islands: the case of the Azorean migration to Bermuda 16th International Migration Conference Azores – Ponta Delgada, September 2011 Eduardo Ferreira

THE RESEARCH Research focused on the problematic of international migrations and the effects that the informal social networks have on migratory flows and processes. Central hypothesis: The social networks are not only a key-element on the decisions taken by individuals in relations to their migratory projects and how the migratory routes take place, but also how they are responsible for the conservation of flows over time. Main objective: To analyse the recent Azorean emigration flow to Bermuda, with an objective to develop an explanatory model, from which it is possible to explain the continuity of this movement, over time, within the broader framework of the dynamics of emigration in the Azores.

The emphasis on the role of the social networks… Macro level structures LABOUR MARKET AND IMMIGRATION POLICY Middle level structures SOCIAL NETWORKS Social actor INDIVIDUAL DECISIONS … allows the connection between the actors and the macro structures which sustain the migratory processes.

DETERMINANTS OF THE MIGRATORY FLOWS AND PROCESSES Factores individuais Middle level structures Individual decisions Labour market and immigration policy Structural factors Maintenance of the outmigration flow Informal social networks, focused in family relationships, friendship and of geographical proximity

MAIN THEORETICAL PREMISSES At an intermediate level, the family group assumes, simultaneously, the role of decision-making unit and support structure for the project of migration. This support, which can be provided either in the origin or in the destination, is often dependent on some macro factors (e.g.. Immigration policies of the host countries) (Slotnick, 2003); The migratory networks, which include a complex set of interpersonal relationships between migrants (officials and candidates) and other agents in the societies of origin and destination, are constituted not only by elements and relationships within the domain of family, but also refers to elements of the circle of friends, of neighbourhood and of inter-personal acquaintances where the migrants generally place themselves.

MAIN THEORETICAL PREMISSES Social networks can be a form of social capital that can be mobilized by the emigrants, in order to facilitate the implementation of their migratory project. Involving a set of reciprocal obligations, the migratory networks are an excellent way to obtain not only information but also to support the migrant, from the material point of view and also during the process of adaptation in the host society (Massey,1987; Portes, 1995); The social networks often contribute to maintain the flow of migration, even after observing the loss of influence by the factors responsible for initiating the same migration flow. The social connection to someone who emigrated promotes the feedback about the process, of the type and forms of organization of the referred flows, not only to the effective candidates of emigration but also to the potential ones(Portes, 1995);

MAIN THEORETICAL PREMISSES Returned migrants as well as the communities of migrants, as they grow, induce and contribute to reduce the cost of the subsequent migrations, especially for family, friends, neighbours or acquaintances of those who emigrated (Massey e España, 1987); However, this relationship is not always linear, because sometimes, if the volume of immigrants, in a certain locality, with similar characteristics is too high, it can conduce to a slowdown in the flow. The overrepresentation of workers with similar and potentially competitive characteristics among themselves, leads to the perception by the candidates and potential migrants, the idea of surplus labor in the market of incorporation, thereby increasing the subjective cost of emigration, and thus, contributing, for the loss of intensity of the migration flow of migration. (Bauer,2000);

THE SPECIFICITY OF AZOREAN EMIGRATION TO BERMUDA - KEY FEATURES | Evolution of numbers of migrants to Bermuda between 1960 and 2007 Source: Direcção Regional das Comunidades Evolution of number of Azorean emigrants between 1930 and 2000 Source: Instituto Nacional de Estatística, Estatísticas Demográficas, várias; Serviço Regional de Estatística dos Açores, Demografia, várias; Direcção Regional das Comunidades.

THE SPECIFICITY OF THE AZOREAN EMIGRATION TO BERMUDA - KEY FEATURES An international flow of labour, of temporary character, which can be framed in the trend that, from the mid- 80s, started to mark the Portuguese emigration to some European countries; A flow strongly conditioned by the destination, either by immigration policy defined by Bermuda, and by the way that jobs are offered to foreigners (azorean migrants perform activities and fit into social and professional categories that demand less qualification (construction, accommodation and restaurant sectors and in certain services such as landscaping);

THE SPECIFICITY OF THE AZOREAN EMIGRATION TO BERMUDA - KEY FEATURES Stays of 1 or 2 years previously established on the work contract. ‪The contract can be extended in stages (e.g., in two year periods), to the maximum stay period imposed by law of six years. Re-emigration is a relatively common practice. The return to the Azores is in many cases, also temporary (a new work contract is signed, not necessarily with the previous employer);

THE SPECIFICITY OF THE AZOREAN EMIGRATION TO BERMUDA - KEY FEATURES An emigration essentially masculine and without the presence of the usual logic of family reunification; This results from the strict conditions that are imposed by the law of Bermuda to control the demographic balance and is further enforced by the high costs of settling family members with no income; Migrants aim saving, as quickly as possible, enough for, in most cases, lower the costs of housing and, if possible, in order to acquire some assets that otherwise, would have been more difficult access;

THE SPECIFICITY OF THE AZOREAN EMIGRATION TO BERMUDA - KEY FEATURES A flow with origin polarized in S. Miguel Island and in some of its municipalities and localities (Vila Franca do Campo, Povoação and Lagoa)

Municipality of origin of the azorean migrants to Bermuda (departures between 2000 and 2007)

Parish of origin of the azorean migrants to Bermuda (departures between 2000 and 2007)

In which way a small island have a tendency to the rise and consolidation of migratory networks?

Small islands are excellent contexts for the study of the social networks (Barnes, 1954) Social networks are composed by a quite relevant spatial and geographic dimension Small islands = small geographic dimension + natural sea border Closer physical proximity between the individuals Higher number of interactions in direct co-presence