EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF RECIDIVISM OF UNREGULATED CIRCULAR MIGRATION AMONG ZIMBABWEAN IRREGULAR FEMALE LABOUR MIGRANT DEPORTEES

Abstract

Employing an exploratory analysis using a sample of 20 female Zimbabwean deportees from South Africa, the paper looks into the main factors which stimulate repeat of unregulated circular migration. Besides this, the study aimed at providing deep insights into the lived experiences of the deportees who have a preference for repeat migration in its unregulated form with implications for policy to Zimbabwe as well as South Africa. The study showed the importance of cost and benefit analysis as an important argument in circular migration decisions by the female deportees.  Findings also show that young women showed strong desire to embark on unregulated circular migration and made up to 35 % of the respondents. Factors such as unpaid salaries from former employers, lack of access to documentation,  attachment with destination country, educational qualifications, experience in circular migrations, unfinished projects at home are some of the factors pushing the deportees to unregulated circular migration.  Despite xenophobia being a threat to most migrants in South Africa, 60 % of the respondents expressed little worry about this societal ill.

JEL classification:  j01, j15, j61,i38

Key words: Deportees, Circular Migration, Recidivism, South Africa, Zimbabwe