Multiple Migrations: The Social Networks and Transnational Lives of Bangladeshi Leaving in Italy (Doctoral Project)

In this study, we analyse the reasons for the onward migration of Bangladeshis in Italy to the UK after they obtain Italian citizenship. The findings of 51 in-depth interviews and participant observation with Bangladeshi migrants with Italian citizenship in three cities of north-eastern Italy and two cities of the UK indicate that Italian Bangladeshis move to the UK, not only for economic reasons, but also, to better manage the cultural and social reproduction of their family, particularly the second generation. This is indicative of the centrality of colonial legacy from a cultural and economic point of view. Since the UK has the biggest Bangladeshi diaspora, there are more opportunities for reproducing Bengali traditions and religious upbringing for their children. Additionally, Italian Bangladeshis also mentioned that providing British education to the next generation can increase their social status in their home country.

This article analyzes previous multiple migratory trajectories of Bangladeshi first generation migrants before arriving in Italy and within Italy. It also uncovers the role of social networks and transnational ties in their multiple migrations. The findings show that their first international migration was mainly shaped by their family’s socio-economic condition and transnational kinship networks. They already had someone from their family or close relatives in the preferred country with whom they were connected. Their onward relocations until arriving in Italy, in most cases, was to achieve the socioeconomic success and legal status that they failed to attain in their first and subsequent destinations, but the transnational connection with friends or acquaintance are a key resource facilitating these remigrations. Bangladeshis, who arrived in Italy from various countries, mostly had networks either with someone from their local district in Bangladesh or with their earlier fellow migrants who moved to Italy before them.

Referring to the case studies of two cities in Northern Italy, this article seeks to understand how Bangladeshi migrants use associations to seek transnational “ways of belonging” and “ways of being”. It analyses how this transnational attachment to their home country has played an important role in building their own “community”. The findings reveal that Bangladeshi migrant organizations work to maintain “transnational ways of belonging” by enabling migrants to retain their cultural roots; this is reflected in their observation of festivals, national days, and other practices and rituals. Although, as a relatively new migrant community, they do not share as many economic links through these associations as many other “diasporic” organizations, migrants widely express a sense that these economic connections are with their country of origin. However, there is competition within the community based on regional origin, as well as have many ambivalences and contradictions.

Most of the studies on Bangladeshi migration to Italy have been conducted in cities and towns that already have a relatively long tradition of hosting Bangladeshi communities, such as Rome, Vicenza and Venice. This article focuses on two recent local contexts of Bangladeshi migration to Italy: Padova and Cadoneghe in the Veneto region. The study attempts to answer the following research questions: What are the trends, channels and motivations behind Bangladeshi migration to Padova and Cadoneghe, from which Bangladeshi regions do the migrants originate and what are their cultural, socio-demographic and economic profiles?

In the current age of globalization, migration is no longer a one-way mobility between a country of origin and a destination, it sometimes be multiple. However, the multiple migration experiences of international migrants still identified as an under-researched issue. This is especially applicable in the case of Bangladeshi migrants since the researchers mostly highlighted a one-way migration from Bangladesh to a destination country. This study, therefore, aims to examine the factors account for multiple migrations of Bangladeshi first generation migrants who acquired Italian citizenship in Italy. In this regard, the research will focus their previous migration history, on the one hand, their onward migration tendency on the other. Moreover, this paper aims to find out the factors towards their motivation to stay in Italy or onward relocations. This study is carried out by following qualitative research approach, consisting of in-depth interviews and participant observations.