The role of the origin state in international migration: Exploring the transition from colony to independence

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual framework to examine how the state shapes international migration in origin and destination countries, particularly in former colonies transitioning to independence or non-sovereignty. This paper proposes an expanded view of the state’s relevance in migration and introduces a conceptualisation of a country’s transition from colonial status to independence or non-sovereignty. This is done by presenting four hypothetical scenarios of the different ways in which migration patterns shift in reaction to the introduction and timing of independence and border regimes.