Between settlement, double return and re-emigration: motivations for future mobility of Polish and Lithuanian return migrants

Abstract Although research on return migration is growing, little is known about returnees’ plans and attitudes regarding further migration. This article contributes to the filling of this knowledge gap by studying the likelihood of engaging in further mobility among Polish and Lithuanian returnees. Using a mixed method approach we explore under which circumstances return migrants intent to stay in their country of origin permanently and what factors would make them consider leaving again. Our quantitative sample (CAWI survey) consists of 740 responses from Poles and Lithuanians who returned to their home countries from the UK. We conducted a binary logistic regression analysis concerning plans to move abroad again. In the qualitative part of the analysis, based on in-depth interviews with 60 Polish or Lithuanian returnees, we have contextualised quantitative results by presenting four case studies representing different likelihoods of re-migrating. Our research shows that both return and post-return plans are always negotiated in the context of a variety of personal, family and professional considerations. Having a job, having children and strong attachment to the current place of living turned out to be the strongest negative predictors of the likelihood of further migration.