Transnationalism and Settlement of Latvian Emigrants in the Nordic Countries

Abstract

The intra-European migration flows have fostered debates about the intentions of migrants to settle in their destination country or return to their countries of origin. Based on a quantitative analysis of survey data (N = 1391), this article presents a typology of migration patterns among migrants from Latvia in the Nordic countries. Using two dimensions—attachment to the destination country and attachment to the country of origin—the article identifies and characterises the following four migration patterns: (1) bi-nationals, (2) settlers, (3) footloose migrants and (4) isolated migrants who focus on their country of origin and are willing to return (separated).