The "Navigating Return Migration: What Next? Diplomacy, Infrastructures, and Pathways Beyond" Conference is a symposium that aspires to critically investigate the multiple dimensions of return migration at the nexus of policy, infrastructures, migrant experiences, international diplomacy, and ethics. This event examines the ethical, historical, infrastructural, and diplomatic aspects of return migration, as well as alternative policies and narrative methodologies that center migrant experiences. It thus aims to bridge the gaps between policy frameworks, the implementation of returns on the ground, and the lived realities of migrants regarding return migration.
Empirical, theoretical, and methodological contributions from diverse disciplinary perspectives are welcomed. Papers focusing on comparative approaches, regional case studies, or underexplored aspects of return migration are especially encouraged.
key themes of the conference
- Dynamics of Return Infrastructures
- Migration Diplomacy with a Focus on Return
- Aspirations Before Return and Reintegration After Return
- Public Attitudes and Domestic Politics
- Legal Aspects of Return
- Governance of Returns in the Global South
Dates and venue
Date of the conference: January 22-23, 2026
Location: Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
Submission Guidelines
Applicants are invited to submit an abstract of max. 250 words and a short bio of max. 150 words for each author/presenter (in English) via the following link https://forms.gle/1im2mSHjpchohLAz7 by May 31, 2025.
For more information contact us at:
Notification of accepted papers: July 15, 2025
For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.returnmigration.eu/final-conference