The Shadow Side of Migration: Exploring the Nexus between Undocumentedness, Informality and Crime among Uzbek Migrants in Sweden

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between undocumentedness, informality, and vulnerability to crime among migrants, using the strain theory as a conceptual framework. Research on victimisation and engagement in crime among migrants is limited, and existing studies tend to focus on one aspect rather than the interplay between the two. This study focuses on the experiences of the Uzbek community in Sweden, drawing on ethnographic observations and interviews with members of the community. The findings suggest that the undocumented and informal status of migrants can lead to strain, as they face limited access to legal means of employment and welfare services, and constant fear of deportation and social exclusion. This strain can push them towards the informal economy, where they are exposed to exploitation and victimisation. The study calls for a more nuanced approach to understanding the experiences of migrants, highlighting the need for research that explores the interplay between victimisation and engagement in criminalised acts.