Serbia - Serbian Diaspora and Youth PDF

The Serbian Diaspora and Youth: Cross-Border Ties and Opportunities for Development
Theodore E. Baird
Roskilde University
and
Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels

University of Kent at Brussels
1
Contents
1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Aims .............................................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................................7
2 Main Demographic Characteristics of the Sample ................................................................................................8
2.1 Education and Training Background .......................................................................................................... 13
2.1.1 Education before Residence Abroad ................................................................................................. 18
2.1.2 Education during Residence Abroad ................................................................................................. 20
2.2 Work Experience ........................................................................................................................................ 24
2.3 Labour Status ............................................................................................................................................. 24
2.4 Job Search .................................................................................................................................................. 29
3 Migration Parameters .......................................................................................................................................... 29
3.1 Legal Status ................................................................................................................................................ 30
3.2 Reasons for Migration ................................................................................................................................ 30
3.3 Duration of Residence Abroad ................................................................................................................... 33
3.4 Choice of Destination Country ................................................................................................................... 35
3.5 Judgments of the Serbian Community in the Host Country ....................................................................... 38
3.6 Remittances and Ways of Transfer ............................................................................................................ 38
3.7 Plans for the Future .................................................................................................................................... 46
3.8 Skills Acquired ........................................................................................................................................... 51
3.9 Knowledge Regarding Reintegration Services Offered in Serbia upon Return ......................................... 52
4 Conclusions & Implications for Policy ............................................................................................................... 62
4.1 Incentives to Return and Incentives to Contribute to Development ........................................................... 63
4.2 Preventing Future Emigration and Providing an Environment for Stay ..................................................... 67
4.3 Remittances ................................................................................................................................................ 71
4.4 Expected Challenges .................................................................................................................................. 74
5 Suggestions for Further Research ....................................................................................................................... 75
2
List of Figures
Figure 1: Gender ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2: Age .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Figure 3: Youth Ages 15-30 ....................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 4: Current Level of Education Outside the Republic of Serbia ....................................................... 14
Figure 5: Youth Level of Education Outside the Republic of Serbia ......................................................... 14
Figure 6: Reasons for going abroad – Formal education at a university or similar institution ................... 17
Figure 7: Reasons for going abroad by youth – Formal education at a university or similar institution .... 18
Figure 8: Educational Attainment in the Republic of Serbia ...................................................................... 19
Figure 9: Field of highest educational attainment/training in Republic of Serbia ...................................... 20
Figure 10: Current Level of Education Outside of Serbia .......................................................................... 21
Figure 11: Field of study of highest degree outside the Republic of Serbia ............................................... 22
Figure 13: Highest Educational Attainment in Serbia and Abroad............................................................ 23
Figure 12: When did you obtain your highest degree? ............................................................................... 23
Figure 14: Did you perform during the reference week any work for pay or profit (cash payment or
payment in kind) for at least an hour?......................................................................................................... 25
Figure 15: Work Performed in the Previous Week by Level of Education ................................................ 26
Figure 16: Work Performed in the Last Week by Years Abroad ................................................................ 27
Figure 17: Reasons for Absence from Work .............................................................................................. 28
Figure 18: Reasons for Going Abroad ........................................................................................................ 31
Figure 19: Reasons for Going Abroad By Youth Aged 15-30.................................................................... 33
Figure 20: Years Abroad ............................................................................................................................. 34
Figure 21: Years Abroad By Age ............................................................................................................... 34
Figure 22: Choice of Destination Country .................................................................................................. 35
Figure 24: Services Used for Transmitting Money .................................................................................... 39
Figure 23: Remittances in the Last Year ..................................................................................................... 39
Figure 25: Remittances by Years Abroad ................................................................................................... 41
Figure 26: Savings for Particular Goals ...................................................................................................... 42
Figure 27: Using Internet-Based Service for Remittance Transfer and Sending Information .................... 43
Figure 28: If you were to leave this country within the next six months, how much money and goods, do
you believe, you would be taking with you? .............................................................................................. 44
Figure 30: Options for the Future ............................................................................................................... 46
Figure 29: If you were to leave this country within the next six months, how much money and goods, do
you believe, you would be taking with you?- By Youth............................................................................. 46
Figure 31: Expectations of Stay in Destination Country ............................................................................ 47
Figure 32: Where do they expect to live in the future? ............................................................................... 49
Figure 33: Interest in Using Free Service in Assisting Return to Serbia .................................................... 56
Figure 34: Contributing Remittances for Community Projects .................................................................. 58
3
List of Tables
Table 1: Top Twenty Countries of Residence............................................................................................. 12
Table 2: Crosstabulation of Youth Currently Studying or Training for a Formal Degree at a University or
Similar Institution ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Table 3: Is your current level of education the same as when you left Republic of Serbia? Crosstabulation
of Youth ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
Table 4: Crosstabulation of Work Performed in Previous Week and Youth .............................................. 25
Table 5: Youth Choices of Destination Country – Family, Friends, Marriage, Acquaintances ................. 37
Table 6: Youth Choices of Destination Country – Education or Training Opportunity ............................. 37
Table 7: Youth Choices of Destination Country – Employment or Other Income Opportunity ................ 37
Table 8: Crosstabulation of those Not Saving For Any Particular Goal by Remittances ........................... 42
Table 9: If you were to leave this country within the next six months, how mouch in money and goods,do
you belive,you vould be taking with you? .................................................................................................. 45
Table 10: Age and Likely Time of Return .................................................................................................. 48
Table 11: Where do you expect to be living in the future? ......................................................................... 49
Table 12: What do you expect the skills, knowledge and experience acquired since leaving Serbia could
or will be useful for in the future?............................................................................................................... 51
Table 13: What would you expect for each of the following aspects of your life, if you were to return to
Serbia at a time of your choice after the next 24 months? .......................................................................... 53
Table 14: If you know anybody who has returned to Serbia during the last 12 months, what is their
situation, as far as you know? ..................................................................................................................... 55
Table 15: Interest in Using Free Service in Assisting Return to Serbia by Youth ...................................... 57
Table 16: Crosstabulation of Youth Who Think Returnees to Serbia Could Benefit From Support .......... 59
Table 17: Crosstabulation of Youth By Who Should Provide Support to Returnees ................................. 59
Table 18: Crosstabulation of Youth Who Think There is Sufficient Support for Returnees ...................... 60
Table 19: Crosstabulation of Youth Interested in Free Service for Returnees ‘As Soon as Possible’ ........ 61
Table 20: Carling’s Inventory of Policy Measures to Enhance the Development Impact of Remittances . 71
4
1 Introduction
The Republic of Serbia has traditionally been a country of emigration for economic and political
reasons (IOM, 2008: 25). Serbia is also well known for its intellectual diaspora and highly
skilled abroad (World Bank, 2008: 195). According to the World Bank, Serbia ranks as one of
the top emigration countries with an estimated 2.3 million emigrants abroad, or approximately
22% of its total population (ibid.: 3-4). Other estimates, however, range between 3,2-3,8 million
Serbians living abroad (MARRI, 2006). The Serbian Ministry for Diaspora (MfD)1 are the
highest, estimated to be between 3,9-4,2 million Serbs abroad and based on a broad definition of
diaspora (IOM, 2008: 23). Serbia is also a top recipient of remittances, with an estimated 4.9
billion USD of remittance entering the country yearly, or 14% of its Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) (ibid.: 195). Estimates of countries of destination place Germany as the highest recipient
of Serbian emigrants, followed by Austria, Switzerland, the United States and Turkey (IOM,
2008: 16).
The Serbian population has been declining linearly from a 1998 high of 7.58 million to a 2009
low of 7.33 million (Eurostat, 2010). Population projections show that the number of those aged
5-19 will continue to decline as well (Izvorski & Kahkonen, 2008: 67). These numbers indicate
an ageing population and high emigration rates in general. Unemployment continues to be an
issue, with raw numbers and percentage rates increasing since late 2008 (Serbian Ministry of
Finance, 2010). Labor market activity of those aged 15-64 has also decreased yearly from 68.9%
in 2003 to 60.6% in 2009 (Eurostat, 2010). High unemployment, low labor market participation
rates and decreasing numbers of youth may lead to further migration from the country to live
abroad, an indicator of the potential for Serbia to continue to produce emigrants and increase its
reliance on immigration and return. In turn, management of labor migration has been addressed
by the Serbian Government’s (2009) Migration Management Strategy.
Young men and women have been seen to have higher potential than other age groups for
migrating abroad (IOM, 2009). In a 2009 report for the non-governmental organization (NGO)
Grupa 484, Pavlov (2009) reported on the results of a survey that estimated the emigration
potential of young Serbs. Pavlov’s survey found that 44% of those aged 15-24 and 27% of
those aged 25-29 were potential migrants. Moreover, according to IOM (2009), over 35 percent
of the youth population of the districts of Pcinjski, South Backa and Belgrade have migrated
internationally. Both studies noticed that the reasons for leaving or considering leaving were
linked to employment and the economic situation.2
1
The MfD was established in 2004 as the primary ministry for engaging with Serbians abroad. More information
available online at: http://www.mzd.gov.rs/Eng/Default.aspx
2
Other studies on migration propensity appear in a thorough literature review appearing in Kupiszewski (2009).
5
Nonetheless, many Serbian men and women living abroad continue to maintain close ties with
their family and friends in Serbia as well as contact with other members of the diaspora.
Remittances are one way in which the diaspora maintains close connections by assisting in the
wellbeing of their relatives, purchasing real-estate, as private investment or as consumption
(IOM, 2007). Contact with other members of the diaspora is maintained through cultural and
professional diaspora associations, as many as 1000 of which are spread across 191 countries
(IOM, 2008). These diaspora associations are envisaged as a starting point for directly engaging
with the diaspora and maintaining close connections that can enhance the developmental
opportunities of Serbia.
The current paper produced by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is part of a
larger joint program that aims to address these issues by analyzing data about the diaspora and
proposing policy initiatives. The joint program was implemented by the International
Organization for Migration (IOM), the Republic of Serbia, the Spanish MDG Achievement Fund
for Youth, Employment and Migration, the International Labor Organization (ILO), The United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and The United Nationals Development Program (UNDP)
under the title of Youth Employment and Migration (YEM) Joint Program (JP). IOM has been
specifically tasked with assisting in the implementation of various outcomes, including assisting
in the crafting of policies on the management of labor migration, including return, which is
linked to employment policy and labor market strategies of the Republic of Serbia (ILO, 2010).
Additionally, IOM is specifically tasked with raising awareness of youth for existing local
services and the risks of irregular migration. Other joint tasks (in cooperation with ILO, UNDP
and UNICEF) include creating a knowledge base and targets for youth employment and
migration to inform policy, and finally for the strengthening of local partnerships to implement
social programs and meet targets. The current paper will address these initiatives based on an
interpretation of data collected from a unique, first-of-its-kind survey of the Serbian diaspora.
1.1 Aims
The aim of this study is to retell the data provided in a way which answers fundamental
questions related to migration and diaspora policy in Serbia, particularly focusing on youth
(those aged 15-30). The questions have to do with how the Serbian government can engage with
the diaspora based on a description and analysis of the data. The primary questions asked
throughout the paper are organized into three broad themes:
1) Why did people leave? When did they leave? What preventative policies can be put in
place for the future? What do the youth need in order to prevent their departure?
2) Will they return? If so, for how long and what will they contribute? How can Serbia
attract people back? What would entice people to move back to Serbia? What would
they need when they come back, after expectations have changed?
6
3) If the diaspora do not wish to return, what relationship with Serbia can be maintained?
Will the diaspora send money and remittances? Can we predict how much they will send?
How can the Serbia government maximize the opportunities which arise from youth
emigration?
1.2 Methodology
The survey was conducted by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (RSO). It was
dispersed in targeted countries of destination by means of mass media. The survey examined a
representative sample of the Serbian diaspora based on preliminary requests sent to destination
countries. A large number of responses were received, and was designed in Autumn 2009 and
conducted in December 2009. The data collected are comparable with other surveys in Serbia
(such as the regular Labor Force Survey done by the RSO) and international labor and migration
surveys. The survey specifically targeted destination countries with large Serbian populations to
achieve a large number of responses. The survey sample is quite large and can be considered to
be significant and representative of the diaspora as a whole. Nevertheless, caution should be
exhibited in interpreting results as certain segments of the Serbian diaspora may be
underrepresented (including refugees and irregular migrants, see Section 3.1). The survey traced
a series of demographic, economic and migration parameters which are reviewed in the second
and third sections of the current report.3
Previous studies on the Serbian diaspora have been carried out by Bauralina, et. al. (2006), IOM
(2007, 2008, 2009), Kupiszewski (2009), and Martinez, Endo & Barberis, (2006). These reports
will be referenced throughout the current survey and serve as comparison. Group 484 has also
produced a series of articles on specific aspects of the Serbian diaspora and youth in Serbia
through its Research Interest for Migration Management in Southwestern Serbia project.4 It is
also suggested that policy makers refer to these documents as well to further understand the
trends in Serbian labor migration beyond the current survey.
What this analysis has done is compared responses to elucidate which factors are generally
important across the entire sample, as well as youth aged 15-30, highlighting results which can
be relevant for sound policies. We describe the broad trends within the sample which can be
generalized to the whole diaspora population and to diaspora youth aged 15-30. Significant
3
The data used in this report come from two sources. There is no significant difference between the data sources,
although the raw numbers may differ. The original, or raw, data include responses from 1182 respondents
included in an SPSS file and were used to generate the Figures and Tables in this document. Some Figures in this
document come from the Statistical Office of Serbia (2010) and are cited accordingly. The analyzed data from the
Statistical Office of Serbia included only 1005 respondents. This discrepancy is also noted by ILO (2010: 23). Any
differences in percentages are minor and do not impact the overall analysis. For any detailed questions see The
Statistical Office for the Republic of Serbia.
4
Available on their website: http://www.grupa484.org.rs/
7
gender differences are noted when they are different from the sample. A more detailed micro-
analysis based on age and gender allows us to see the differences between different sub-groups
in the sample. Information on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the sample,
including age, skills, relationship status, plans for the future and plans for return help provide an
estimate of those willing to return and their expectations after they do return. However, there are
some limitations to generalizing from the sample which will be addressed throughout the paper.
The current paper is targeted at central-level government officials as well as local-level officials,
service providers and institutions offering direct support to youth and potential migrants. The
direct beneficiaries of the proposed policies, in addition to the stakeholders listed above, are
Serbian youth, potential emigrants in Serbia and the diaspora residing abroad. Indirect
beneficiaries of the proposed policies may be other governments and their citizens, sharing best
practices, international and intergovernmental institutions, and the Serbian population. The
second section of the paper describes the main demographic characteristics of the sample. The
third section describes the migration parameters of the sample. The fourth section outlines a
series of policy options based on an interpretation of the findings. Recommendations for future
research and potential replication of the survey are given in the fifth section.
2 Main Demographic Characteristics of the Sample
Male respondents represent the majority of the sample (68.4%) with just under a third of the
respondents female (31.6%) (See Figure 1). The majority of the sample is between 25-44 years
of age (66.7%) (See Figure 2). Youth represent much of the sample with 42.2% of the sample
being between less than 24 years of age until 34 years old. 30% of the sample is between 35-44
years of age. Elderly respondents represent the smallest section of the sample with 2.9% being
over 65 years of age. The remaining ages represent approximately a quarter of the sample, with
45-54 years (17.3%) and 55-64 years (7.6%). Figure 3 lists the percentage of those aged 16-30,
broken down in five year categories, demonstrating that the majority of youth are between 26-30
years of age with an average of 26 years. There is no observable relationship between age and
gender in the sample.
8
Figure 1: Gender
9
Figure 2: Age
The gender difference in the sample may indicate that Serbian women, for a variety of reasons,
have withdrawn from migrating because they participate in the labor market at home in Serbia,
or culturally defined gender roles in Serbia do not permit women to participate in the labor
market, either at home or abroad, requiring them to stay at home and tend to children and the
elderly (for more on what motivates migration see Section 3.2).
10
Figure 3: Youth Ages 15-30
The spread of ages and gender indicate that those of working age (25-64), or 91.6% of sample,
have the human, financial and social capital to migrate abroad for a period of time which is
commensurate with their expectations, needs and desires. Underrepresentation of diaspora youth
less than 24 years of age may suggest that the social and financial capital necessary to migrate is
only accumulated over some time, i.e. it comes through some saving in Serbia. This stage of
sufficient social and financial capital seems to have been accumulated by the age range 25-44,
likely because of the growth of human capital following education, the support of social
networks and the accumulation of saved financial capital necessary to migrate. Under-
representation of those older than 65 may indicate lower initial migration rates, mortality of the
diaspora or a return to Serbia for retirement as the diaspora age.
Nearly two-thirds (63.3%) of the sample is married, suggesting an attached and stable
community which desires to establish themselves in the country of destination. The survey data
do not demonstrate the percentage of the sample which has their spouse with them; however
27.7% of the sample reported that their spouse was very important to their decision to move
abroad. Just over one-quarter of the sample (28.3%) is single, with 67% of youth aged 15-30
being single, which are those who have more potential for mobility than the married group. In
other words, single respondents may be more mobile and flexible in their migration patterns,
leading to increased potential for onward migration away from Serbia or return to Serbia if
circumstances change. Only 8.5% of the sample is divorced, another group which may have the
potential for mobility either away from or to Serbia.
11
The top ten destination countries for the Serbian diaspora, according to the World Bank
(2998:195) include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United States, Turkey, Croatia, Sweden,
Italy, Canada and Australia. The largest number of Serbian emigrants are estimated to be in
Germany, with approximately 900,000 members of its diaspora there (ibid.: 6). According to the
survey, and consistent with World Bank estimates, the largest percentage of respondents (60.3%)
resides in countries within the European Union, primarily Switzerland and Germany (See Table
1). The majority of those residing within the EU are between 25 and 44 years of age. Following
members of the diaspora in the EU are those residing in the countries of the former Yugoslavia
(11%), the United States of America (8.3%), Canada (6.3%), Africa and the Far and Middle East
(6.3%), Serbia (5.2%), Australia (1.7%) and Russia and the former Soviet Union (1.2%). More
than a quarter (27.1%) of the diaspora live in Switzerland, Germany and the United States. Half
of the diaspora (48.6%) live in those states plus Austria, Sweden and Canada. Almost the
entirety (88.7%) of the diaspora live in Australia, Europe and North America (with China and the
UAE as notable exceptions) with the remaining living in countries from around the world.
Country of destination No.
Table 1: Top Twenty Countries of Residence
Frequency Percent Cumulative

Country Percent
Switzerland 121 10.2 10.2
Germany 101 8.5 18.8
United States 98 8.3 27.1
Austria 93 7.9 34.9
Sweden 88 7.4 42.4
Canada 74 6.3 48.6
Serbia 61 5.2 53.8
Slovenia 56 4.7 58.5
Italy 53 4.5 63.0
United Kingdom 50 4.2 67.3
France 44 3.7 71.0
Netherlands 40 3.4 74.4
Republic of Macedonia 37 3.1 77.5
United Arab Emirates 29 2.5 79.9
Croatia 23 1.9 81.9
Australia 21 1.8 83.7
China 16 1.4 85.0
Norway 16 1.4 86.4
Czech Republic 15 1.3 87.6
12
Bosnia and Herzegovina 13 1.1 88.7
Other 133 11.3 100.0
Total 1182 100.0 100.0
Nearly three-quarters of the sample (73.5%) was born in Serbia, the rest being born within the
area of the former Yugoslavia (19.4%) and a small percentage being born abroad (7.1%). Of
those who were born in Serbia, 86.5% are Serbian citizens, with 9.1% holding foreign citizenship,
and a very small percentage (4.5%) retaining the citizenship of the former Yugoslavia, meaning
they hold the citizenship of states which were not formed before 1991. A majority of persons
(92.3%) responded that they are of Serbian nationality, with the rest (7.7%) claiming a different
nationality.
In terms of mobility, 88.2% of the sample has not changed residence abroad within the past year,
i.e. they have not moved from one country to another. The majority of those who have changed
within the past year (11.8% of the total sample) are between 25 and 34 years old and single, the
section of the population with the most potential for mobility. Additionally, 14% of women,
versus 11% of men, have moved in the past year, and appear to be single with higher education.
Additionally, those with higher educational qualifications or those still in school have moved
more in the past year (17% and 15%, respectively) than those with less education (5% for
secondary education and 5% for high education). There is no general significant difference
between where the diaspora resides now and where they did a year ago. However, there is one
specific difference worth noting. Some 2.5% of respondents noted that they lived in Serbia one
year ago, while 4.6% note that they live in Serbia now. This suggests that some of the sample
either returned permanently or temporarily from their destination abroad.
2.1 Education and Training Background
The high education attainment of the sample (47.8% of the sample attended a faculty, academy
or higher school, see Figure 4) corroborates other research which demonstrates the majority of
the Serbian diaspora are highly educated, which has significance for brain drain and depletion of
intellectual resources and skills (see Section 4). The majority of those without higher education
in the sample have a secondary education (24.6%) or a high school education (10.3%). Amongst
those aged 16-30, the majority have university education or at least secondary education (See
Figure 5).5
5
The survey does not specify whether those without education in Serbia have been educated abroad or have no
formal education.
13
Figure 4: Current Level of Education Outside the Republic of Serbia
Figure 5: Youth Level of Education Outside the Republic of Serbia
14
Table 2: Crosstabulation of Youth Currently Studying or Training for a Formal Degree at a
University or Similar Institution
Are you currently studying or training for a

formal degree at a university or similar
institution?
Yes No No answer Total
Age Youth 16-20 Count 6 1 3 10
% of Total 2.1% 0.3% 1.0% 3.4%
21-25 Count 27 22 11 60
% of Total 9.3% 7.6% 3.8% 20.6%
26-30 Count 52 129 40 221
% of Total 17.9% 44.3% 13.7% 75.9%
Total Count 85 152 54 291
% of Total 29.2% 52.2% 18.6% 100.0%
Furthermore, over half (52.2%) of youth are not currently studying or training for a formal
degree abroad (See Table 2). Almost 30% of youth are studying or training for a formal degree
abroad, and although not a majority, this still has significance for which activities youth are
currently engaged in. However, looking at Table 3, we can see that almost 55% of youth have a
higher level of education than they did when they left Serbia, suggesting that most have received
their qualifications after emigrating from Serbia. Just under a quarter (21%) have the same level
of education as when they left Serbia.
Table 3: Is your current level of education the same as when you left Republic of Serbia?
Crosstabulation of Youth
Is your current level of education the same as when you left

Republic of Serbia?
Yes No Don't know No answer Total
Age 16-20 Count 1 4 2 3 10
Youth % of 0.3% 1.4% 0.7% 1.0% 3.4%
Total
21-25 Count 10 31 6 13 60
15
% of 3.4% 10.7% 2.1% 4.5% 20.6%
Total
26-30 Count 50 124 6 41 221
% of 17.2% 42.6% 2.1% 14.1% 75.9%
Total
Total Count 61 159 14 57 291
% of 21.0% 54.6% 4.8% 19.6% 100.0%
Total
Furthermore, nearly half (49.4%) of the general sample indicated that they had migrated for
reasons other than obtaining a formal education at a university or a similar institution (See Figure
6). Those who responded that their reasons were not tied to formal education tended to be of a
higher age, meaning that the disassociation of emigration and seeking education increased with
age. Obtaining formal education was less important as the sample increased with age. Amongst
young respondents, equal percentages respond that going abroad for education is very important
and that it is not important (See Figure 7). Those who responded that formal education was
important, but not crucial, for their reasons for going abroad (16% of the sample) also decreased
with age. Additionally, 40% of single respondents responded that education was important for
their reasons and 56% of married respondents thought it was unimportant.
In other words, younger people increasingly responded that going abroad for an education is
important (around 36.1% of the sample). On the other hand, education becomes less important as
age increases. In many ways, this is to be expected, as the older members of the diaspora have
either achieved a higher education or find it unnecessary for their work (e.g. those who have only
secondary or higher education, but who have satisfactory incomes relative to Serbian income
distributions). Data on highest educational attainment attest that education is an important
reason for emigration to respondents still in school, while those not in school overwhelmingly
attest that it is unimportant for their reasons for going abroad. For more on reasons for going
abroad, see Section 3.2.
16
Figure 6: Reasons for going abroad – Formal education at a university or
similar institution
17
Figure 7: Reasons for going abroad by youth – Formal education at a
university or similar institution
2.1.1 Education before Residence Abroad
In general, the sample was well-educated before leaving Serbia. Almost 30% of the sample
received a university education in Serbia before going abroad (See Figure 8). 24.2% of the
sample received an upper secondary education lasting 4-5 years. A slight fraction of the sample
(5.1%) received a master level degree in Serbia. Even less (0.8%) received a PhD. Just 8.9% of
the sample did not graduate high school. Almost ten percent (9.3%) of the sample did not
complete a primary school education. 5.6% of the sample was without education in Serbia before
leaving Serbia.
18
Figure 8: Educational Attainment in the Republic of Serbia
Fields of study vary, but in general the diaspora concentrated their study in Serbia in the fields of
social sciences, economics, law, political science, sociology, psychology, and business (11.9%),
computer science (5.3%), and engineering, manufacturing and construction (18%) (See Figure 9).
Mathematics and health and welfare services make up around 10% of the sample. 37% of the
sample is without a specific field of study or without a specific technical education and had
received a general education or was without education in Serbia. Other fields, such as teaching
and education, humanities, languages, biology, statistics, agriculture and services make up the
rest of the sample, each between 1-4% of the total sample. Women are more prevalent in foreign
languages (9% versus 1%), and social sciences such as law, political science, law, economics
(19% versus 9%), whereas men are more prevalent in engineering and manufacturing (21%
versus 11%) and without education or unknown (21% versus 12%).
19
Figure 9: Field of highest educational attainment/training in Republic of Serbia
2.1.2 Education during Residence Abroad

A majority of respondents said that their education level remained the same after leaving the
Republic of Serbia. When asked if their current level of education is the same as when they left
Serbia, 54.5% said yes. 38.3% of the sample said that their education level had risen after
leaving, which demonstrates that education is indeed important for over a quarter of the sample.
Those who did receive an education outside Serbia, almost a quarter (23.8%) received a
university education at a faculty or academy (See Figure 10). 13.9% went on to obtain masters
degrees, and 8.3% PhD. A percentage of the sample completed all or part of their secondary or
high school education outside Serbia (about 27%).
20
Figure 10: Current Level of Education Outside of Serbia
Outside of Serbia the diaspora tended to concentrate on fields similar to those who studied in
Serbia, such as social science, economics, law, political science, psychology, business, computer
science, engineering, manufacturing and construction (See Figure 11).6 Foreign languages and
the humanities receive marginally more focus, but not significantly more. Only 17.2% of the
sample is currently studying for a formal degree at a university or similar institution. Of those
who are studying for a degree, 40.6% are in undergraduate or bachelor-type programs, 24.8% are
master degree programs and 17.6% are PhD programs. The fields of study for those currently
studying again concentrate in the social sciences, economics, law, political science, psychology,
sociology and business (39.2%), engineering, manufacturing and construction (12.3%) computer
science (8.8%) and the humanities (8.2%). Agriculture and foreign languages get equally 5.3%
of the fields, with other fields being only marginally represented with between one and three
percent of the sample each. It is unclear whether it is because certain fields of study and/or
specialization are not offered in Serbia that some emigrated. This would perhaps require a very
close look at the specializations to determine whether they are indeed absent from Serbian
universities’ curricula. However we may be able to determine that those subjects which are
studied outside Serbia are indicators of what is lacking in Serbia and what is considered to offer
6
The second column is labeled ‘Unknown’, which is different than ‘No Answer’. This is an indication of those who
are unaware of their field as they did not receive education beyond primary or secondary school or did not
complete higher education with any specific training.
21
more opportunity abroad (See Section 4.2 for more on what this implies for preventing future
emigration and integration).
Figure 11: Field of study of highest degree outside the Republic of Serbia
22
Figure 12: When did you obtain your highest degree?
Over a quarter (25.9%) of respondents completed their highest degree outside of Serbia between
2000 and 2010, with the majority graduating in 2008 (See Figure 12). Almost ten percent (9.4%)
completed their highest degrees between 1991 and 2000. Less than five percent completed their
highest degrees before 1990. Most of the respondents (43.3%) will have obtained their degree in
2010. 26.9% will have obtained their degree in 2011, and 14.6% in 2012. The remaining 15
percent will obtain their degree between 2013-2015, or have no estimate when they will
complete their degree. These may be people who intend to obtain their degree and stay abroad.
Finally, the data on education in Serbia and abroad do not indicate the time of migration. We do
not know if they lived in Serbia before leaving or when they left Serbia, so comparing data on
education in Serbia and abroad yields limited conclusions. The main conclusions are that there
were more respondents that completed primary, secondary and university education in Serbia
than those who completed them abroad and that those who completed Masters and PhD degrees
obtained them primarily abroad (See Figure 13). This has implications for policy as youth are
getting their undergraduate and vocational education in Serbia and pursuing post-graduate
education abroad.
Figure 13: Highest Educational Attainment in Serbia and Abroad
23
Primary education (eight years)
Lower secondary education lasting 1-3

years Serbia Abroad
Upper secondary education lasting 4-5
years
High education
Faculty, academy or higher school
Master degree
PhD degree
Source: RSO, 2010: 15
2.2 Work Experience

A broad range of professions are represented by the sample. By far the largest group are
computer systems designers and programmers, engineers (civil, electrical, mechanical and
chemical), economists, higher education (i.e. teachers and professors at universities), and
translators and interpreters.7 Other professions are indeed represented, but on average less than
two percent each of the sample. It must be noted that almost all recognizable professions are
present among the diaspora, which thus represents a wide range of talent and expertise at a
variety of levels and skills. Most of the sample has been practicing their current occupation
outside of Serbia for some time. A quarter of the sample has been practicing outside of Serbia
between seven and 20 years. In contrast, another quarter of those practicing outside Serbia have
been practicing for only one to four years.
2.3 Labour Status
At the time of the survey, 64.5% of the sample did work for pay in the previous week (See
Figure 14). 42.3% of youth between 26-30 years of age worked in the reference week, with less
than half of those working (18.9%) did not work (See Table 4). In general, in terms of education,
those with higher education responded that they had worked in the previous week (See Figure
15). Moreover, the difference between those who worked and who did not work, in terms of
education, is less in those with less than a higher education. This suggests that those with less
education are just as likely to be unemployed as employed, whereas there is more chance of
employment with a higher education. Finally, the longer the respondent has been living abroad,
7
Professions are based on field of education data. See Sections 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 for more information.
24
the more likely they are to be employed (as demonstrated by Figure 15, excluding those who
have lived abroad for ten years or more).
Figure 14: Did you perform during the reference week any work for pay or profit (cash payment or
payment in kind) for at least an hour?
Table 4: Crosstabulation of Work Performed in Previous Week and Youth
Age Youth
16-20 21-25 26-30 Total
Did you perform during the Yes Count 2 21 123 146
reference week any work % of Total 0.7% 7.2% 42.3% 50.2%
for pay or profit (cash No Count 4 28 55 87
payment or payment in
% of Total 1.4% 9.6% 18.9% 29.9%
kind) for less than 1 hour
No answer Count 4 11 43 58
(including work in family
farm/business) even if % of Total 1.4% 3.8% 14.8% 19.9%
revenue was not realized or
nothing produced during
the reference week?
% of Total 3.4% 20.6% 75.9% 100.0%
25
Figure 15: Work Performed in the Previous Week by Level of Education
26
Figure 16: Work Performed in the Last Week by Years Abroad
There appears to be a correlation between years abroad and work done during the reference week.
The less they have been abroad the more likely it is that they had not worked in the reference
week (See Figure 16). Those who did not work (5%) spent time in the process of opening a
business. A marginal fraction (less than 1%) did agricultural work where the products were
partially sold. Those that did not work did not have a personal business (farm or professional
practice) for which they will resume working for. Additionally, around six per cent of those who
did not work were absent from work, and have assurances that they will resume work after the
reference week is over. Of those who did not work during the reference week, only 15.9% did
not have to work because there was no work to be done. 5.9% were laid off or had had their
contracts suspended.
In general, the majority of reasons for not working are attributed to personal reasons, rather than
economic reasons. These included maternity, annual leave, illness or off-season work (See
Figure 17). In other words, most of those who did not work had taken personal time for their
own reasons. The duration of absence is interesting to note, as a small fraction had taken off
time for more than three months (the specific amount of time was unspecified) and an
27
insignificant percentage will not resume work. Most of those who did receive salary during their
absence received 50% or more of their weekly salary.
Figure 17: Reasons for Absence from Work
Of all of those who work, all have the right to revenue (profit, wages, salary). Slightly less, but
still a substantial proportion, have the right to pension insurance (79.2%) and to health insurance
(77.4%). The majority of respondents (66%) work in a privately registered institution. The rest
of respondents work for the state (18.7%), another form of institution (7.5%) or a socially owned
institution (5%). The respondents that have worked have participated in a broad range of
economic activity, with production and manufacture of a variety of goods being generally well
represented relative to other forms of economic activity (such as agriculture, mining, textile
preparation, printing and publishing).
With regards to professional status, just about one-quarter of all respondents are self-employed,
either as employee or owner. One-tenth (10.0%) of the respondents are owners or the sole
proprietors of businesses, a further 5.2% are self-employed and a further 10.2% are
28
commissioned outworkers. Just under half of those who are self-employed (40.2%) hire others
and employ other employees; in other words, far more than the 10% who are the owners of
businesses. Nearly all of the remaining three-quarters of the respondents (71.9%) are employees.
A clear majority of the workers in the sample working in an enterprise/institution (85.7%) are on
a written labor contract. Women tend to work more for the state than men (24% versus 16%)
and men tend to work for private companies than women (69% versus 58%). In general men
employ others more often than women in the sample (45% versus 27%).
2.4 Job Search

The respondents are nearly all of working age, with 98.2% under 75 years of age. Of those who
were not working and of working age (approximately 35%), only 20.1% sought employment
during the previous four weeks. More women (25%) than men (17%) sought employment in the
last four weeks. It is clear that a significant proportion (65.2%) of those who did not seek
employment were not about to begin a job, i.e. they were still looking, they were unemployed.
Answering advertisements in journals, newspapers, or on the Internet seems to be the most

popular form of job-seeking amongst the respondents (66.7%). Contacting the national
employment office of the country is deemed to be equally useful by the respondents (45.5%),
followed by applying directly to employers and contacting private employment agencies (39.4%).
Asking friends, relatives and others within the respondents’ social networks proved to be a
legitimate means of accessing employment as well (39.4%). Other methods like taking an exam,
looking for land, equipment or financial resources, or employment fairs were less popular, but
still utilized amongst a small percentage of the respondents. In general men tended to contact
private employment agencies (41% versus 19%) and apply directly to employers (53% versus
25%), whereas women tended to ask friends and relatives (44% versus 35%), answer newspaper
ads (63% versus 59%) more than men. Women (81%) overwhelmingly studied advertisements
in newspapers, journals and on the internet more than men (53%). Only a few respondents were
awaiting the results of a job application, recruitment opportunity or the national employment
office.
Some 16% of those who are not seeking employment responded to the question of whether they
would be willing to work, and, of those, nearly two-thirds (65.2%) said they would not (less than
half (36.4% are currently studying at university and not willing to work, 12 respondents in total).
It is unclear why they are not willing. However, if a job were offered to the respondent, 57.4%
of those respondents would be available to start within the next two weeks.
3 Migration Parameters
This section describes legal status in the destination country, reasons for migration, residence
abroad and remittances.
29
3.1 Legal Status
Nearly half (45.1%) of the respondents are citizens of the country in which they currently live,
while another 42.4% of the respondents have secured a more permanent residential status.8 This
indicates that the strong majority of the respondents (87.5%) has a stable status which allows
them to reside in that country for extended periods or indefinitely. Of those who have lived
outside of Serbia for over 10 years, 75.9% have citizenship status of their country of residence.
High numbers reflect that a large percentage of the diaspora who have lived abroad for longer
periods are integrated and exercise their rights in the host country. Whether they have direct and
deep links back in Serbia, or whether they exercise their rights there, is not clear from the data.
Five respondents declared that they had no legal status, representing less than one percent of the
respondents. No recognized refugees or asylum-seekers are represented among the respondents.
A low response of those who are residing irregularly with no legal status may under-represent
this group of Serbians abroad or may indicate that those with no legal status do not feel they are
members of the official diaspora. There is no estimated percentage of those abroad to be staying
irregularly or working in the informal market, which is an indicator of potentials for return.
According to the European Council (2010b), Serbia accepted 2,465 readmissions on the basis of
readmission agreements out of 2,577 requests in 2007, while in 2008 all 1,572 readmission
requests were accepted, shedding some light on the numbers of irregularly staying Serbians. In
parallel, UNHCR (2010) reports that in 2005, 5,828 refugees returned to Serbia, whereas at the
end of 2009 2,705 returned, reflecting a decrease in returns registered with UNHCR. As of
January 2010, UNHCR reports a total population of concern originating from Serbia to be
436,775 people. Finally, a crucial question to ask in the developmental context is the
relationship between voluntary and forced migration, and whether voluntary and forced migrants
have the same interests in contributing to local and national development (Nyberg-Sørensen, Van
Hear & Engberg-Pedersen, 2002). Lacking data on refugees’ impacts on development in Serbia
can hinder future efforts at return.
3.2 Reasons for Migration
The top three reasons for going abroad are:
1) Chances of finding a better paid job than you had in Serbia
2) Chances of finding employment
3) Acquisition of new or other occupation skills
8
86.5% of the sample is a citizen of Serbia as well, see Section 2.
30
When giving reasons for why they had migrated, respondents gave slightly more importance to
the chance of finding general employment rather than finding a specific job (See Figure 18). In
other words, the chance of finding any employment was more important than finding
employment that matches their skill set. Nearly two-thirds (62.5%) responded that the chances
of finding general employment were very important or important in their decision to leave Serbia,
whereas 57.5% gave the same responses concerning specific jobs. The distinction is crucial,
because there is risk in leaving a country for a job, and that risk is mitigated by accepting a broad
range of work rather than particular professions. The most significant factor, however, in terms
of reasons for leaving, was the chance not of finding employment, but of finding better-paid
employment, with 36.6% citing this as a very important factor in the decision to leave, and a
further 27.6% agreeing that it was important (64.2% together). Multiple responses were
obviously possible in this question.
Figure 18: Reasons for Going Abroad
Joining family or close friends 24.4 10.7 50.7 14.1
Gaining life experience 24 30.4 30.9 14.6
Improvement of language skills 16.4 31.4 36.9 15.2
Formal education at a university or similar institution 20.1 16 49.4 14.5
Acquisition of other new occupational skills 29.4 30.9 26.5 13.2
Gaining job or work experience in a foreign country 26.5 33.2 26.8 13.5
Chances of finding a better paid job than you had in … 36.6 27.6 23 12.8
Chances of finding employment 31.2 31.3 24.4 13
Finding a specific job 26.7 30.8 28.6 13.9
Very important Important Unimportant No answer
At the same time, however, these data should not suggest that the reasons for migration are
simply to maximize personal gain and income. As noted above, the question is a multiple-
response one and, indeed, migration decisions occur because of complex social factors which
include factors such as the family and local communities.
There is no general difference between men and women. However women were more likely to
go abroad for university than men (24% versus 18% consider it very important) and more
women than men went abroad to improve language skills (20% versus 15% consider it very
important). While improvement of language skills was not ranked as particularly important by
respondents in general, it tends to be more important for younger respondents (those aged 24 or
younger). Those who had already resided abroad for a longer period of time understandably put
31
less emphasis on language skills simply because they have acquired them over time, where
younger respondents have not yet had that opportunity. In terms of language, skills in general are
excellent: 69.4% of the respondents rate their level of the language of the host country as high.
Family reunion, or joining family or close friends in the host country, was, again, not ranked as
high as employment. However, it must be noted that almost a quarter of the respondents (24.4%)
did say this was a very important factor in determining whether to leave Serbia, and a further
10.7% said it was important. Amongst women, 35% thought it was very important, versus 20%
for men.
Finally, other reasons cited for going abroad included political circumstances, uncertainty, war or
conscription. Most of the respondents did not respond to this question (75.6%). However, the
percentage that did respond (21.1%) comes from a unique demographic group. Those that cited
these as reasons to go abroad are predominantly male, aged 45-54, divorced or married , born in
the former Yugoslavia, have foreign citizenship, a nationality other than Serbian and have been
living in a foreign country for 10-20 years, in other words, they left Serbia between 1990 and
2000.
Regarding youth, there is some variation within the sub-sample (See Figure 19). Far more of
those aged 16-30 left Serbia for education than the overall sample, with 48.1% noting that this
was very important or important in their decision to leave (compared to 36.1% of the overall
sample). The top three reasons why youth aged 15-30 went abroad are:
1) Formal education at a university or similar institution
2) Chances of finding a better paid job than the one you had in Serbia
3) Acquisition of new occupational skills
32
Figure 19: Reasons for Going Abroad By Youth Aged 15-30
3.3 Duration of Residence Abroad

In general, older respondents have lived abroad for longer, while younger respondents have lived
abroad for shorter periods of time. Those who are aged 25-34 tend to have lived abroad for
average 2-5 years. Those who are aged 35-44 tend to have lived abroad for 5-10 years. Those
who have lived abroad for 10-20 years tend to be older, around 45-54 years of age. Finally,
those who have lived abroad for more than twenty years tend to be 55 years and older. A small
percentage has lived abroad for up to two years (11.2%) with the majority being less than 24
years of age (See Figures 20, 21 and 22).
33
Figure 20: Years Abroad
Figure 21: Years Abroad By Age
34
3.4 Choice of Destination Country
It is interesting to note the differences in the more general responses to “reasons for going
abroad” and in the responses to “reasons for going to a specific country.” When a particular
country is specified, employment or other economic opportunities were noted by the most
respondents as being very important (37.5%) (See Figure 22). Another quarter (22.6%) of the
respondents claimed that economic opportunity or employment was important. These responses
cut across all demographic characteristics, being broadly shared amongst the respondents.
Figure 22: Choice of Destination Country
While family unification was not a key reason for going abroad, it does become quite significant
in terms of selecting which country in particular a migrant goes to. Just over half (50.4%) of
respondents note that family or friends played a very important or important role in the selection
of destination country. Amongst women, marriage, relatives, friends and acquaintances ranked
as very important for half of the sample (50%), but had less significance for men (35%). It was
important but not crucial for 22% men to know that other people had gone to this country,
compared with 16% of women.
Employment opportunities, however, remain the most significant factor, with 65.8% of
respondents agreeing that this was a very important or important factor. The role of networks, or
linkages between migrants, does seem to have played a role as well, with 39% noting that having
known people who had also migrated to this country was a very important factor.
In terms of networks, information shared on particular countries, while not seen by a majority of
migrants as very important, does play a role in the selection of destination country, with nearly
35
half (47.8%) of the respondents, also noting that the reputation of the country was important in
their decision-making. Whether reputation here refers to the labor market, the attitude toward
migrants, etc. is hard to know, but we can conclude that here, too, the context of reception
toward migrants is an important factor.
Looked at the data from a more specific angle, a number of questions related to the person who
had influence on the decision to come to the host country were asked. The most important
responses came from those who said that spouses and parents or other relatives were very
important in their decision. 41% of women, versus 21% of men, cited their spouse as very
important for influencing their decision. Friends and acquaintances, the company of
employment, scholarship authorities, Serbian universities or host country universities had
considerably less importance in the decision to go than spouses or family. These data suggest
that spouses and family members in Serbia directly influenced the decisions to leave abroad.
This in line with general theories of migration which postulate that household-level factors are
important in determining the reasons for going abroad (Massey et. al., 1998).
An educational grant or scholarship was unimportant for a majority of the respondents (64.6%),
except for a small percentage of people (10.7%) who used that avenue to go abroad, for without
it they most likely would not have left. Additionally, as a percentage of those who went abroad
to study, 7.2% regarded their scholarship as very important. Education or training opportunities
in general are in general neither important nor unimportant, although a close majority responded
that education was unimportant (40%), with almost a quarter (24.1%) responding that education
and training opportunities were very important, predominantly for young respondents. 22.7% of
the respondents said that a combination of circumstances created a possibility which gave them a
reason to select their particular host country.
Finally, youth responses had some variation from the sample as a whole. Previous time in the
country was seen as unimportant still (46%). A grant or scholarship was equally unimportant for
nearly half of those aged 16-30 (49.5%). Knowing other people or getting to know people in the
country of destination was almost equally unimportant at 42.3% and 39.5% of youth,
respectively. Language learning was mostly unimportant (36.4%). The reputation of the
country9 was important for a quarter of respondents (26.5%), but was considered mostly
unimportant (33.7%). The main important variables for going to a certain country are family or
friends, including marriage (38.1%), but is almost equally unimportant (34%) (See Table 5).
Education and training opportunities are equally important (35.1%), with less responding that it
was unimportant (26.5%) (See Table 6). Employment opportunities were also considered very
important (33.7%) (See Table 7).
9
‘Reputation’ was not specified in the survey.
36
Table 5: Youth Choices of Destination Country – Family, Friends, Marriage, Acquaintances
Age Youth
16-20 21-25 26-30 Total
Importance Very important Count 3 23 85 111
% of Total 1.0% 7.9% 29.2% 38.1%
Important Count 0 3 20 23
% of Total 0.0% 1.0% 6.9% 7.9%
Unimportant Count 2 21 76 99
% of Total 0.7% 7.2% 26.1% 34.0%
% of Total 1.7% 4.5% 13.7% 19.9%
% of Total 3.4% 20.6% 75.9% 100.0%
Table 6: Youth Choices of Destination Country – Education or Training Opportunity
Age Youth
16-20 21-25 26-30 Total
% of Total 0.7% 7.2% 27.1% 35.1%
% of Total 0.3% 3.4% 12.4% 16.2%
% of Total 1.0% 5.2% 20.3% 26.5%
% of Total 1.4% 4.8% 16.2% 22.3%
% of Total 3.4% 20.6% 75.9% 100.0%
Table 7: Youth Choices of Destination Country – Employment or Other Income Opportunity
Age Youth
16-20 21-25 26-30 Total
37
% of Total 0.3% 5.5% 27.8% 33.7%
% of Total 0.3% 6.2% 18.2% 24.7%
% of Total 1.0% 4.1% 14.4% 19.6%
% of Total 1.7% 4.8% 15.5% 22.0%
% of Total 3.4% 20.6% 75.9% 100.0%
3.5 Judgments of the Serbian Community in the Host Country

Does the respondent think that there is a significant Serbian community of equal status in the
host country? It appears that the diaspora is unable to answer this question with any certainty.
30% of the respondents think that more people from Serbia with a commensurate level of
education are living in the respondent’s host country than in other countries. An equal number
of people responded that there are less (29.2%), with the large amount of the sample (40.8%)
unable to estimate. In other words, the survey sample is divided in thinking that there are more
people of their socio-economic status in the country of residence than in other countries. The
diaspora’s impressions of their socio-economic status is reflected in these data, and suggests that
the diaspora community is divided about the boundaries of their in-group and that there is no
clear picture of what constitutes the Serbian diaspora and its socio-economic bounds amongst the
diaspora themselves.
3.6 Remittances and Ways of Transfer
Of the three-quarters of the respondents who answered the question concerning remittances,
almost one quarter (21.7%) of the respondents remitted more than 6,000 EUR in goods and
money in the past year.10 Almost equally, 18.9% of respondents sent back less than 600 EUR.
The rest of the respondents (40.2%) sent back between 600 and 6,000 EUR (See Figure 23).
29% of men remitted more than 6,000 EUR, compared with 19% of women; otherwise there was
no significant difference in gender.
10
More specific data regarding the frequency of remitting over the year are not covered by the survey.
38
Figure 23: Remittances in the Last Year
The three-quarters of the respondents who do send remittances tend to carry it personally or use
the banking system (See Figure 24). Thus a sizeable portion of the sample uses informal means
for transmitting remittances as opposed to more formal means. Using the banking system was
less popular but was the primary method for about a quarter of the respondents. The least popular
method was having others carry remittances. This is in contrast to a study by IOM (2007) which
demonstrated that intermediaries such as friends, acquaintances and bus-drivers were popular
methods of transferring remittances. Furthermore, Figure 25 demonstrates that remittances
increase as the duration of years abroad increases, i.e. the longer one has been abroad the higher
probability they will send remittances.
Figure 24: Services Used for Transmitting Money
39
The remittances being sent back to Serbia are being used primarily for daily necessities like food,
clothing, rent, utilities, etc. Housing improvements also seem to be important compared to other
uses. The remittances are not being significantly used by a majority for education, savings, debt
payments, land acquisition or investment (See Figure 26).
Just over one-quarter of the respondents are saving money for a house or land in Serbia (26.1%),
with another 17.6% saving for a house elsewhere. Saving money to build or buy a house is the
primary savings goal among the respondents, followed immediately by saving for travel. Nearly
one-third (31.3%) indicate that their travels are in Serbia, suggesting that they are saving for trips
home to Serbia. Just 9% are saving for travels elsewhere.
40
Figure 25: Remittances by Years Abroad
41
Figure 26: Savings for Particular Goals
Not saving In Serbia Elsewhere
14,1 14 7,5
21,8 17,7 16,2 15
26,1 31,3 26,3 25,5 3,6 2,1
9,9 4,5 3,3 1,1
3,9 5,6
7,5
17,6 9
91,4
76 77,8 80,5 82,4 82,9
66,3 70,6 72,6
56,3 59,8
House, Travels Annual No specificPrivate car, Business Forming a Own Another Paying Visa for the
land for holiday goal furniture and family education person’s back debt country
building a business education you wish to
house equipment move to
Table 8 demonstrates that there is a correlation between the amount sent in remittances in the
past year and the propensity to save. The less remittances sent, the higher probability that one
will not have saved. It is possible that some who are not saving are instead sending remittances,
and don’t view that as saving.
Table 8: Crosstabulation of those Not Saving For Any Particular Goal by Remittances
What is the approximate value of the goods and

money you transmitted to Republic of Serbia over
the past year?
Less 1.200 3.000 More
than 600 to to to than No
€600 €1.200 €3.000 €6.000 €6.000 answer Total
Are you In Serbia Count 23 12 7 5 5 3 55
currently % 41.8% 21.8% 12.7% 9.1% 9.1% 5.5% 100.0
saving %
toward any % of Total 10.1% 5.3% 3.1% 2.2% 2.2% 1.3% 24.1%
particular
In this Count 37 24 16 3 9 11 100
42
goal? - Have country % 37.0% 24.0% 16.0% 3.0% 9.0% 11.0% 100.0
no saving %
% of Total 16.2% 10.5% 7.0% 1.3% 3.9% 4.8% 43.9%
Elsewhere Count 2 2 4 1 4 3 16
% 12.5% 12.5% 25.0% 6.3% 25.0% 18.8% 100.0
%
% of Total 0.9% 0.9% 1.8% 0.4% 1.8% 1.3% 7.0%
No Count 4 4 2 5 3 39 57
answer % 7.0% 7.0% 3.5% 8.8% 5.3% 68.4% 100.0
%
% of Total 1.8% 1.8% 0.9% 2.2% 1.3% 17.1% 25.0%
Total Count 66 42 29 14 21 56 228
% 28.9% 18.4% 12.7% 6.1% 9.2% 24.6% 100.0
%
% of Total 28.9% 18.4% 12.7% 6.1% 9.2% 24.6% 100.0
%
A majority (64.9%) of the three-quarters of the respondents who send remittances would be
interested in using an internet-based service portal that assists them in transferring their money
(See Figure 27). There are differences among the different age groups, however, with older
respondents being less interested than younger respondents (75% of those up to age 25 are
interested, compared to 41% of older respondents). There is no significant difference between
men and women in using an internet based service.
Figure 27: Using Internet-Based Service for Remittance Transfer and Sending Information
43
Finally, if a member of the diaspora were to leave his or her country of residence within the next
six months, 18.1% responded that they would bring back more than 100,000 EUR in money and
goods that are available to them (See Figure 28). The lowest amount of money, less than 5000
EUR represents 18.3% of the respondents. The number of people who will return with money
and goods decreases as the amount of money increases. In other words, as the amount of money
that one can bring back to Serbia increases, the number of people who can bring back that
amount decreases. However, once 100,000 EUR is reached, then there is a dramatic increase in
the responses from the respondents. This indicates that there is a modest amount of people who
can bring back money between 5000-10000 EUR (16.5%), 10000-25000 EUR (14.9%), 25000-
50000 EUR (13.6%), and 50000-100000 EUR (11.4%).
Figure 28: If you were to leave this country within the next six months,
how much money and goods, do you believe, you would be taking with
you?
There is a significant gender dimension in the case of return with goods and money: almost one-
quarter of the male respondents (21%) would return with over 100,000 EUR, whereas exactly
one quarter (25%) of the female respondents would return with less than 50,00 EUR. Moreover,
the distribution of males who can bring back money is more even than the distribution of females
who can bring back money, indicating a wide variation in earnings amongst the female
respondents. Such a gender differential may be important to understanding motivations to return
44
to Serbia and motivations to remain abroad. In addition, those who are married are more likely
to return with more money than those who are single (See Table 9).
Table 9: If you were to leave this country within the next six months, how mouch in money and
goods,do you belive,you vould be taking with you?
Sex Marital status
Divorced
Married
Female
Single
Total
Male
Count 1005 687 318 284 636 85
- 5.000 € 18.3 15 25 32 13 14
5.000 - 10.000 € 16.5 16 17 24 14 13
10.000 - 25.000 € 14.9 14 16 15 15 16
25.000 - 50.000 € 13.6 15 11 10 14 22
50.000 - 100.000 € 11.4 13 9 6 14 9
100.000+ € 18.1 21 12 7 23 18
Don’t know 7.1 6 10 6 7 7
Total 100%
Finally, 28.5% of those aged 16-30 would bring back less than 5000 EUR if they returned in the
next six months (See Figure 29). 22% would return with 5000-10000 EUR, and 13.1% would
return with 10000-25000 EUR. These numbers suggest that the diaspora youth would be
returning with significantly less money than their older counterparts. This implies that programs
regarding money transfers or diaspora investments should be targeted at the older population and
youth programs should focus on saving and retaining money for future use.
45
Figure 29: If you were to leave this country within the next six months, how
much money and goods, do you believe, you would be taking with you?- By
Youth
3.7 Plans for the Future

Almost one quarter (23.3%) of respondents think that the best option for their future is to live
and work entirely in another country (See Figure 30). A smaller proportion (17.9%) regard
living and working entirely in Serbia as their best option. However, 18.5% of respondents think
that they should live in Serbia but work partly in another country, which is close to the 16.3% of
people who think that they should work partly in Serbia but live in another country.
Looked at another way, it means that slightly more than half of the respondents (52.7%) regard
an option that includes Serbia in their future plans as best for them. Almost a quarter do not
know what their best option for their future is (24%). There is a difference between suggesting
return and planning for return, but there is no indication in the data whether these individuals
actually plan on returning.
Figure 30: Options for the Future
46
Figure 31: Expectations of Stay in Destination Country
Nearly a quarter of the respondents, 21.1%, expect to remain abroad over their lifetime (Figure
31). Slightly more than a quarter, 26.9%, of the respondents, expect to be living abroad for
another five to ten years. Those who responded that they will remain abroad for another one to
five years represent 28.6% of the respondents. Finally, just 13.2% of the respondents responded
they will reside abroad for less than 12 months. Just over one-tenth of the respondents do not
know how long they will be living abroad (10.2%). What these responses signal and generally
demonstrate, especially amongst the younger population, is that it is likely the respondents will
either return soon (within the next five years) to Serbia and possibly remain there or remain
abroad for a significant time (from 10 years to a lifetime).
47
Table 10: Age and Likely Time of Return
Sex Age
Less than
Female
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Total
Male
65+
24
Count 1005 687 318 55 369 302 174 76 29
Doesn’t know 10.2 8 14 18 11 10 8 7 10
12 months or
13.2 12 16 9 19 14 6 7 7
less
13 - 24
7.8 7 9 16 11 6 4 5 -
months
25 - 36 months 6.8 7 5 11 7 5 8 9 -
37 - 48 months 4.1 4 4 9 3 4 3 8 -
49 - 60 months 9.9 11 8 13 9 9 8 16 21
61 to 120
10.6 12 8 7 9 7 18 16 17
months
More than 10
16.3 19 11 5 10 18 30 14 14
years
Till end of life 21.1 20 24 11 21 26 14 18 31
Total 100%
Source: RLO, 2010: 43
Regarding youth, when asked how many more months or years they expect to stay outside of
Serbia, those aged under than 24 tended to not know (Table 10). 56% of those under 24 are
studying an institution of formal education, indicating they may not know what their post-
graduation plans are. Those aged 25-34 tended to respond that they expected to stay either 12
months or less or until the end of life. 22.7% of those without Serbian citizenship are more likely
to stay abroad until the end of their lives than those with Serbian citizenship. Similarly, many of
those aged 35-44 tended to answer that they would stay 12 months or less, but a majority more
responded that they would spend more than 10 years or until the end of life. Those aged 45-54
had a clearer idea of where they would be in the future, with the majority responding that they
would spend greater than 10 years abroad from the time of this survey. Those aged 55-64 had
less certain responses, perhaps due to expected retirement, with the majority of respondents
staying from 49 months (around 4 years) up to the end of life. Finally, those older than 65 years
of age would generally stay anywhere from five years until the end of life.
When asked where they expect to be living in the future, respondents were able to select from
one year from now, three years from now and five years from now. Nearly three-quarters, 70.7%,
of the respondents said that they would be living in the country where they live now in one year,
48
48.7% thought the same three years from now, and 32.2% thought so for five years from now
(See Figure 32).
Figure 32: Where do they expect to live in the future?
Thus, respondents do have an expectation of moving – but where to? Some 8.8% of respondents
thought they would be living in Serbia one year from now, which increased to 14.2% for a date
three years in the future, and increased to 24.7% at five years (See Table 11). There seems to be
less intention of moving from one foreign country to another: just 4.1% thought they would be
living in a third country one year from now, 9.7% in three years and just 10.0% in five years.
Nonetheless, there seems to be some uncertainty amongst respondents, with the percentage of
those who say they do not know where they will be at one year being 16.4%, 27.5% at three
years and 33.1% at five years. There is a connection between intention to stay abroad and length
of time abroad, i.e. the longer they have been abroad the more likely they are to remain abroad.
The most important finding may be that across the sample, including age, citizenship and
duration abroad, the intention to move back to five years from now increases.
Table 11: Where do you expect to be living in the future?
Duration of living in
Age Citizenship
foreign country
2 - 5 years
More than
Less than
Foreign
Serbian
10 – 20
Ex Yu
5 – 10
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Till 2
years
years
years
Total
65+
24
20
Count 1005 55 369 302 174 76 29 869 91 45 113 207 225 244 216
49
Country
where
70.7 80 69 75 71 55 66 70 77 64 62 72 70 78 67
they live
now
One year from now
In
Republic 8.8 4 10 8 7 11 14 9 5 9 12 9 11 7 6
Serbia
In other
foreign 4.1 2 7 3 1 1 - 4 1 2 13 6 2 2 1
country
Doesn’t 16.4 15 14 13 21 33 21 16 16 24 12 13 17 12 26
know
Country
where
48.7 45 44 51 53 50 59 48 62 40 40 42 45 57 54
they live
now
In
Republic 14.2 20 15 13 11 17 14 14 14 16 18 13 18 14 11
Three years from now
Serbia
In other
foreign 9.7 9 15 8 7 1 - 11 3 2 19 18 7 7 2
country
Doesn’t 27.5 25 25 28 29 32 28 27 21 42 23 28 30 23 32
know
Country
where
32.2 16 25 35 42 39 52 31 44 29 19 23 30 39 43
they live
now
In
Republic 24.7 31 24 24 22 37 17 25 21 24 27 22 24 27 25
Five years from now
Serbia
In other
foreign 10.0 9 13 10 7 3 3 11 8 2 23 14 9 6 6
country
Doesn’t 33.1 44 38 31 29 21 28 33 27 44 31 42 37 29 27
know
Total 100%
50
3.8 Skills Acquired
Interestingly, given the intentions of respondents to either remain where they are or to return to
Serbia, respondents overwhelmingly said that the skills, knowledge and experience they have
acquired since leaving Serbia could be useful in the future – but neither in Serbia nor in their the
current host country (45.0% noted this for “satisfactory employment,” with just 9.8% noting the
same for Serbia and 17.3% for the current host country).
Similar results were obtained for business success, better paid employment and more stable or
permanent employment. Such evidence strongly suggests that the Serbian diaspora, as surveyed
now, expects that their skills, knowledge and experience will be more useful outside of Serbia in
the future. These data are an indirect indication that their skills and experience are either
considered by them to be more valuable in other labor markets or that their decision to return to
Serbia at a later date does not include an evaluation of how their skills will be useful for the
country. This suggests that the reasons for coming back to Serbia in the future may have little to
do with employment prospects and may have to do with retirement, family concerns or the local
community. The link between skills, knowledge, experience and education are detailed in Table
12. In general, the higher the education you have the more likely you are to think your skills will
be useful outside of Serbia. Those with less education tended not to know where their skills
would be useful.
Table 12: What do you expect the skills, knowledge and experience acquired since leaving Serbia
could or will be useful for in the future?
Highest education attainment

academy or
Secondary
Faculty,
Primary
and less
primary
Still in
school
school
higher
Total
High
than
Count 1005 21 247 104 460 173

In Serbia 9.8 10 7 13 10 11
employment
Satisfactory
In country you are 17.3 19 26 23 12 16

1.
Elsewhere 45.0 - 25 38 55 57
No answer 28.0 71 42 26 23 17
In Serbia 10.2 14 11 14 9 9
at business
2. Success
In country tou are 17.9 14 22 23 15 17

Elsewhere 40.9 - 21 35 50 53
No answer 30.9 71 47 28 25 21
51
3. Better paid In Serbia 6.9 5 5 6 8 7
employment In country you are 21.3 19 30 32 15 21
Elsewhere 39.7 10 18 33 49 55
No answer 32.1 67 48 30 28 17
In Serbia 7.2 10 6 5 8 6
4. More stable
or permanent
employment
In country tou are 21.3 10 32 29 15 21

Elsewhere 34.2 5 15 29 42 50
No answer 37.3 76 48 38 35 23
In Serbia 1.9 - 4 3 1 1
5.Other
In country tou are 1.5 - 2 5 1 -

Elsewhere 3.6 - 4 3 4 2
No answer 93.0 100 90 89 94 97
Total 100%
3.9 Knowledge Regarding Reintegration Services Offered in Serbia upon

Return
In general respondents believe that returnees to Serbia can benefit from assistance. The highest
number of respondents (39.6%) felt that employment assistance and finding a job would benefit.
Finding adequate housing ranked a far second, at 16.1% thinking may people would benefit.
Finding adequate education or training, getting health insurance and social security coverage all
come in at a close third, with around equal percentages of people claiming that many would
benefit from such support. A marginal amount of people (2.3%) said that many people could
benefit from unspecified support.
A majority (58.6%) of respondents think that the government is best placed to supply assistance
to returnees. Just under half (42%) of respondents think that private organizations are best to
provide support. Almost a quarter of respondents felt that international organizations are best
equipped to provide support. Assistance from church organizations and political parties are seen
to be less important in providing assistance, according to the respondents.
Expectations of the kinds of return assistance and opportunities are generally low. For example,
in the next 24 months, if migrants were to return to Serbia, respondents tended to feel (ranging
from 22%, on broad employment opportunities, to 39%, on level of income) that employment
opportunities, income levels, housing and educational opportunities would be poor (See Table
13). Nonetheless, large portions (nearly half) of respondents noted that they did not know what
to expect of employment opportunities, income levels, housing and educational opportunities.
Health care is expected to be reasonable (by 19.3% of the respondents), but a majority responds
52
that they don’t know what to expect. Results regarding expectations in the next 24 months also
generalize to peoples’ expectations about aspects of their lives, with many people regarding
employment opportunities adequate to their level of education, level of income, education and
training opportunities, housing and health care as generally poor, or they do not know and cannot
make an expectation.
When asked if they know anybody who has returned to Serbia in the last 12 months and what
their situation is in these same aspects, respondents answer similarly – with answers noting that
the situation is “bad” ranging from 21.9% in the case of training and education to 32.1% in the
case of level of income, and around half saying they don’t know (See Table 14). Here, too, as in
respondents’ expectation of their own situation should they return home, health care has the
highest support, with just 16.3% expecting that the situation of healthcare is “bad,” 6.2%
reporting that their acquaintances’ situation is “good” and nearly two-thirds not knowing. A
high “don’t know” response, which appeared across all categories in both these questions, has its
own interpretation – one explanation is that information flows from home are either poor or are
viewed as unreliable. What is clear is that there is considerable uncertainty regarding what
awaits a potential returnee – information campaigns and regularly updated economic bulletins
posted on embassy webpages could very well have a place in this respect.
Table 13: What would you expect for each of the following aspects of your life, if you were to return
to Serbia at a time of your choice after the next 24 months?
Age
Less than 24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Total
65+
Count 1005 55 369 302 174 76 29

1.Employment Poor 26.7 15 29 27 28 24 21
opportunities adequate to
your level of Reasonable 18.8 27 20 20 19 8 -
education and training
Good 15.2 20 20 14 13 5 7
Don’t know 39.3 38 31 39 40 63 72
2. Other employment Poor 20.0 18 19 22 21 17 17

opportunities Reasonable 20.0 20 27 20 14 9 -
53
Good 10.8 24 15 7 8 5 -
Don’t know 49.2 38 39 51 57 68 83
Poor 31.6 31 35 35 25 24 21
Reasonable 12.7 13 18 11 9 9 -
3. Level of income
Good 10.9 18 15 7 10 9 7
Don’t know 44.7 38 33 48 57 58 72
Poor 22.9 13 27 24 18 21 14
4. Educational and Reasonable 14.8 22 19 17 7 4 3

training opportunities Good 10.4 25 14 8 8 3 -
Don’t know 51.8 40 40 52 66 72 83
Poor 24.4 20 33 24 16 12 14
Reasonable 10.9 9 11 14 10 5 -
5. Housing
Good 22.7 22 21 22 28 24 17
Don’t know 42.0 49 35 40 47 59 69
Poor 15.6 11 19 15 13 12 14
Reasonable 17.2 15 19 21 14 8 7
6. Health care
Good 12.0 9 16 9 11 13 -
Don’t know 55.1 65 46 55 62 67 79
Total 100%
54
Table 14: If you know anybody who has returned to Serbia during the last 12 months, what is their
situation, as far as you know?
Age
Less than
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Total
65+
24
Count 1005 55 369 302 174 76 29
1.Employment Bad 31.5 31 35 32 30 21 17
opportunities adequate Not
to your level of so 15.8 13 18 18 14 9 7
education and training bad
Good 4.3 4 6 4 4 - -
Don’t
48.4 53 41 46 52 70 76
know
Bad 25.0 25 27 29 20 16 14
Not
so 17.5 20 22 15 17 11 10
2. Other employment
bad
opportunities
Good 3.6 - 6 3 3 - -
Don’t
53.9 55 46 53 60 74 76
know
Bad 32.1 27 37 37 24 16 17
Not
so 14.4 15 18 12 14 11 10
3. Level of income bad
Good 3.3 2 5 2 3 - -
Don’t
50.1 56 40 49 59 74 72
know
Bad 21.9 24 26 23 19 9 10
Not
so 13.7 11 17 15 8 12 3
4. Educational and
bad
training opportunities
Good 5.7 7 7 5 5 4 -
Don’t
58.7 58 50 57 68 75 86
know
Bad 25.6 20 31 26 21 16 14
Not
5. Housing
so 12.2 13 13 14 10 11 3
bad
55
Good 9.2 15 11 8 9 3 10
Don’t
53.0 53 45 52 61 71 72
know
Bad 16.6 18 20 15 16 8 10
Not
so 14.9 13 16 18 11 11 7
6. Health care bad
Good 6.2 5 7 6 6 5 3
Don’t
62.3 64 56 62 67 76 79
know
Total 100%
In general, respondents think that there is insufficient or no support for emigrants from Serbia to
be able to contribute to the welfare of the country. For example, less than 10% of all respondents
think that there is sufficient support for emigrants to contribute to the welfare of the country in
sectors such as employment, income, education, housing and health care. In other words, here,
too, information campaigns among the Serbian diaspora would be helpful in informing potential
returnees of what they can do.
If there were an organization that could assist returnees free of charge, the interest in using its
services would be generally high. A range of respondents, depending upon the particular sector
in question (ranging from a low of 22% for education and training to 42.6% for employment) are
interested in these services as soon as possible (See Table 15). Slightly fewer responded that they
would like services later.
Figure 33: Interest in Using Free Service in Assisting Return to Serbia
56
Table 15: Interest in Using Free Service in Assisting Return to Serbia by Youth
Age
than 24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Total
Less
65+
Count 1005 55 369 302 174 76 29
As soon as
42.6 45 51 42 39 21 3
possible
Perhaps
22.0 16 22 26 24 13 -
1. Employment later
No interest 11.2 7 10 8 12 28 28
Don’t
24.2 31 17 24 25 38 69
know
As soon as
34.2 44 42 33 30 16 -
possible
Perhaps
24.1 13 26 27 25 12 10
2. Income: later
No interest 11.6 7 11 7 13 32 21
Don’t
30.0 36 21 32 33 41 69
know
As soon as
22.0 31 30 22 13 9 -
possible
Perhaps
3. Education and 25.4 25 28 29 24 7 7
later
training
No interest 21.3 11 22 17 21 39 24
Don’t
31.3 33 20 32 41 45 69
know
As soon as
26.6 35 34 22 22 17 10
possible
Perhaps
22.6 20 26 24 21 12 7
4. Housing later
No interest 20.7 13 20 18 24 32 21
Don’t
30.1 33 19 35 34 39 62
know
As soon as
30.4 36 36 26 28 24 24
possible
Perhaps
25.6 22 29 29 21 14 14
5. Health care later
No interest 11.0 9 12 6 12 20 17
Don’t
32.9 33 22 39 39 42 45
know
57
Total 100%
Finally, an overwhelming majority of respondents (68.1%) would consider contributing a small

percentage of remittances to a community/collective project within their hometown (such as
books for schools, sports, public park or social programs). Such high numbers have significance
for diaspora investment programs (See Figure 34 & Section 4).
Figure 34: Contributing Remittances for Community Projects
Regarding youth, 88.2% thought that Serbian returnees could benefit from employment
assistance (See Table 16). Almost half thought that finding adequate education opportunities
(49.3%) and adequate housing (42.8%) was necessary. Just about three-quarters (74.9%) think
that these services should be provided by the government, 65.8% by private organizations, and
41.7% by international organizations (See Table 17). Only 10.8% of youth think that there is
sufficient support for employment and income (Table 18). Other areas where youth think that
there is insufficient support are education and training (33.8% think there is sufficient support),
housing (26.2% think it is sufficient) and health care (44.6%). Furthermore, between 52 and
90% of youth respondents need support in all of these areas as soon as possible (See Table 19).
58
Table 16: Crosstabulation of Youth Who Think Returnees to Serbia Could Benefit From Support
Age Youth
16-20 21-25 26-30 Total
Do you think, Finding employment Count 4 32 98 134
returnees to Serbia % of 2.6% 21.1% 64.5% 88.2%
could benefit from Total
assistance in regard Finding adequate Count 4 24 47 75
to any of the education and training % of 2.6% 15.8% 30.9% 49.3%
following areas?a opportunites Total
Finding adequate Count 4 17 44 65
housing % of 2.6% 11.2% 28.9% 42.8%
Total
Getting adequate health Count 4 16 37 57
insurance coverage % of 2.6% 10.5% 24.3% 37.5%
Total
Getting adequate social Count 4 15 35 54
security coverage % of 2.6% 9.9% 23.0% 35.5%
Total
Other Count 0 0 2 2
% of 0% 0% 1.3% 1.3%
Total
% of 3.3% 23.7% 73.0% 100.0%
Total
Percentages and totals are based on respondents.
a. Dichotomy group tabulated at value ‘Yes’.
Table 17: Crosstabulation of Youth By Who Should Provide Support to Returnees
Age Youth
16-20 21-25 26-30 Total
By whom, do you By the government Count 5 30 114 149
think, should assistance % of 2.5% 15.1% 57.3% 74.9%
to returnees best be Total
provided?a By private Count 4 29 98 131
organizations % of 2.0% 14.6% 49.2% 65.8%
Total
59
By international Count 2 19 62 83
organizations % of 1.0% 9.5% 31.2% 41.7%
Total
By church organizations Count 0 7 12 19
% of 0.0% 3.5% 6.0% 9.5%
Total
By political parties Count 1 8 20 29
% of 0.5% 4.0% 10.1% 14.6%
Total
Other Count 1 6 20 27
% of 0.5% 3.0% 10.1% 13.6%
Total
% of 2.5% 21.1% 76.4% 100.0%
Total
a. Dichotomy group tabulated at value 1.
Table 18: Crosstabulation of Youth Who Think There is Sufficient Support for Returnees
Age Youth
16-20 21-25 26-30 Total
In your opinion, Employment Count 0 1 6 7
is there sufficient % of Total 0.0% 1.5% 9.2% 10.8%
support for Income Count 1 2 4 7
returnees to
% of Total 1.5% 3.1% 6.2% 10.8%
Serbia to be able
Education and training Count 1 4 17 22
to settle in and
support % of Total 1.5% 6.2% 26.2% 33.8%
themselves and Housing Count 1 2 14 17
their families % of Total 1.5% 3.1% 21.5% 26.2%
adequately?a Health care Count 2 3 24 29
% of Total 3.1% 4.6% 36.9% 44.6%
% of Total 3.1% 13.8% 83.1% 100.0%
a. Dichotomy group tabulated at value ‘Sufficient’.
60
Table 19: Crosstabulation of Youth Interested in Free Service for Returnees ‘As Soon as Possible’
Age Youth
16-20 21-25 26-30 Total
If there were an Employment Count 3 24 88 115
organization that % of Total 2.3% 18.8% 68.8% 89.8%
would free of Income Count 3 23 66 92
charge assist you in
% of Total 2.3% 18.0% 51.6% 71.9%
your return to
Education and Count 3 16 47 66
Serbia, would you
training % of Total 2.3% 12.5% 36.7% 51.6%
be interested in
using this service?a Housing Count 3 18 57 78
% of Total 2.3% 14.1% 44.5% 60.9%
Health care Count 3 19 55 77
% of Total 2.3% 14.8% 43.0% 60.2%
% of Total 3.1% 21.1% 75.8% 100.0%
a. Dichotomy group tabulated at value ‘As Soon as Possible’.
61
4 Conclusions & Implications for Policy
This section concentrates on answering the questions posed at the beginning of the study, namely:
1) How can Serbia attract people back? What would entice people to move back to Serbia?
What would they need when they come back, after expectations have changed?
2) What preventative policies can be put in place for the future? What do the youth need in
order to prevent their departure?
3) How can the Serbia government maximize the opportunities which arise from remittances?
This section discusses these questions in light of recent scholarship on diasporas and
development to suggest a series of policy options and tools which can be utilized and adapted to
suit the needs of the Serbian government in its response to this study. The IOM promotes
policies which help reduce the costs of remittances, facilitate voluntary return and repatriation,
temporary skills transfers and stimulating temporary or circular migration amongst diaspora
populations (De Haas, 2006: 18). In turn, this study will suggest a series of policy options which
are based on a series of assumptions that underlie policy decisions in general, so as to be applied
to Serbia in particular. The assumptions which underlie the variety of policy options are that
(Castles, 2008: 10-11):
 The diaspora are a powerful resource for development through their skills and ideas
 Diaspora remittances have a positive impact on Serbia
 The diaspora can transmit skills home which will benefit Serbia – social remittances
 Including the diaspora in temporary, circular migrations can benefit both Serbia and the
destination country
 Increased economic development of Serbia may increase out-migration, but this
migration will be beneficial for Serbia in the long run (this may be the process we are
witnessing right now).
The evidence for the above assumptions, however, is “uneven and contested” (Castles, 2008: 11).
There is a lack of solid evidence about the effectiveness of all diaspora and development policies.
Where they are effective, in which countries and why they are effective is lacking in research
and policy making (Nyberg-Sørensen, Van Hear & Engberg-Pedersen, 2002). Often there is a
“gap between policy goals and results” which cannot be bridged (Nyberg-Sørensen, Van Hear &
Engberg-Pedersen, 2002: 19). Serbian policy makers should be very careful about which
policies to adopt and what the consequences will be, weighing short-term costs and benefits as
well as long term consequences. In turn, the Serbian government could work with its partners
62
such as IOM, as well as Serbian academic institutions, to consistently monitor the outcomes and
effects of the policies they adopt. Additionally, the Serbian government could co-opt the ideas,
skills and talents of the diaspora itself to aid in developing policies, thus giving a voice to the
diaspora and including them in the policy process directly.
A study by De Haas (2006) recognizes that diasporas are already mobilized for development, and
that existing institutions and development actors can establish relationships to learn from
diasporas and support collective projects. However, if the development actors’ main aim is to
stop migration, then diaspora populations may be reluctant to participate, a proposition which is
supported by much evidence (De Haas, 2006: 92-93). De Haas demonstrates that diasporas can
be engaged and involved in various ways in development policy, including:
(1) actively involving migrants and migrant organisations in policy formulation; (2)
supporting capacity building and network formation among migrant organisations so as
to enhance their abilities to undertake development initiatives; (3) directly sustaining
development initiatives of migrants by providing financial and/or organisational support;
(4) involving migrants and migrant and diaspora organisations as ‘experts’ or ‘consultants’
in development projects designed by development agencies; and, more controversially, (5)
involving migrant and diaspora organisations in programmes of permanent or temporary
return. ... Some of the more concrete measures that were suggested included increasing the
transparency of government development strategies and goals; supporting the establishment of
migrant networks while respecting their autonomy; and engaging migrants in the process of
policy making and in development programmes in a variety of ways, including project
identification, implementation and monitoring. (De Haas, 2006: 4; 18)
It is important to engage diasporas fairly, as Gamlen (2008: 3) has pointed out. Gamlen also
demonstrates how, rather than creating entirely new diaspora policies, existing diaspora policies
could be better implemented and improved. The Republic of Serbia should not place undue
demands on the diaspora, and the diaspora should be left to participate in the development of
Serbia as it sees necessary. Requiring the diaspora to commit large financial or social resources
to causes beyond its means will be more detrimental than not asking their participation. All
diaspora programs should be balanced and fair to the interests of the diaspora community.
4.1 Incentives to Return and Incentives to Contribute to Development
63
The popular perception of immigrants in many host country contexts is that of poor educational
attainment, high unemployment, segregated communities, low language attainment and low
socio-economic indicator (Vertovec, 2006). The data on the Serbian diaspora dispel some of
these myths. The Serbian diaspora is of generally high educational attainment, has
unemployment levels below that of many of the host countries (and of Serbia), have attained the
language of the host country and have generally decent socio-economic indicators (See Section
2). Nevertheless, it is important to recognize the diversity of the Serbian diaspora. The Serbian
diaspora have multiple competencies and multiple associations. Stephen Vertovec’s (2006)
study looks at the positive and negative impressions of the diaspora by both sending and
receiving countries argues that within different ministries there are often very divergent views of
the diaspora’s benefits. One way to foster greater coherence in the policies of the Serbian
ministries are through recognition of the diversity.
In general, the data show that it is not necessarily self-employed entrepreneurs who are living
abroad, but primarily youth and those who have some capital at their disposal (see Sections 2 and
3.6). Almost all speak the language of the country they live and many of the respondents speak
multiple languages. The Serbian diaspora is highly educated, but the motivations for migrating
are primarily economic. How to mobilize the technical and financial expertise of the diaspora is
of paramount importance. The diaspora can provide technical assistance in various forms, for
example providing technical and financial advice to Serbian institutions, helping develop
programs related to youth, volunteering with youth in the country of origin (through leadership
building exercises or training exercises for youth), and institutional support in the form of
financial support to volunteer efforts. The aim is to incorporate the diaspora directly in the
process of enacting programs, so that their sense of ownership is enhanced and bonds are created
with Serbia. The diaspora can reach an awareness which allows members of the diaspora to
identify with others in the diaspora as actors in a process that is taking place to improve the
conditions of Serbia.
The data clearly demonstrate that the Serbian diaspora is keen to contribute (see Figure 34) to
development efforts at home but may be skeptical of the institutions and labor opportunities that
exist in Serbia. However, the survey data presented does not give any insights into what special
circumstances the diaspora would be interested in contributing, and what these obstacles could
be. There is no sense of what kind of opportunities are seen as realistic to return to. Lending
credibility to particular projects and ventures is necessary, and can be accomplished by
transparency in the decision-making process and including the diaspora in the process.
Establishing the trust of the diaspora then is paramount to successful mobilization of resources.
The goal though would be to expand diaspora participation not through expanded schemes or
new ambitious initiatives but through existing initiatives, so that trust can be built and sustained
over the long term. Thus, the Serbian government should promote existing migrant associations
abroad and assist them in developing social, economic and cultural projects in their respective
localities as well as developing networks to inform the diaspora about opportunities at home:
64
 The Republic of Serbia should encourage the participation of diaspora associations in
development activities. The government should promote these activities, publicize the
associations and assist them in working effectively.
 Diaspora organizations should be included in consultations in policy areas related to

migrant issues and other areas where they have direct insights and expertise.
 Diaspora organizations should be included in exploring, with other government ministries

in Serbia, the ways in which a remittance scheme can enable the diaspora to channel their
remittances effectively so that they have a maximum impact.
 Diaspora organizations should be consulted on any policy or initiative which encourages

the return of migrants to Serbia, including the current initiative.
A series of studies by the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) and funded by the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) have highlighted the role of diaspora in development from a
variety of angles. Each study provides a unique analysis to aid in the development of effective
policies which are relevant for the Republic of Serbia. The five studies concentrate on the role of
diasporas in:
 Capital Markets and Investments (Terrazas, 2010): The survey data show that the Serbian
diaspora hold financial assets beyond income and beyond remittances (See Figure 28).
Mobilizing the wealth of the diaspora through capital markets is a challenge, but there are
investment vehicles to support this mobilization such as deposit accounts, securitized
remittance flows, transnational loans, diaspora bonds and diaspora mutual funds.
 Entrepreneurship (Newland & Tanaka, 2010): Entrepreneurship amongst the diaspora
can stimulate innovation, contribute to job creation and the investment of financial capital
in Serbia. There are various policy options to be explored to increase initiatives and
organizations which promote diaspora entrepreneurship, including loans, competitions,
investor risk-sharing, high education opportunities, regular consultations with
professional diaspora and policies which allow easy movement between Serbia and a
country of residence. Data from Figure 30 demonstrate that 19% of the sample would
like to live in Serbia and work partly in another country, and 16% would like to live in
another country and work partly in Serbia. Policies which make it easy for business
owners and entrepreneurs to move back and forth between these destinations foster
development.
 Philanthropy (Newland, Terrazas & Munster, 2010): Voluntary giving from individuals
or diaspora associations can help fund development and social welfare projects. Online
platforms can be useful in organized and strategic giving. Donating to projects via
intermediaries such as home town associations, faith-based groups, and professional
associations are good ways of attracting funding. Policies can help build the capacity of
65
these groups to participate in philanthropic giving as well as certify and monitor specific
non-profits.
 Voluntarism (Terrazas, 2010): Diaspora youth may volunteer their time with grassroots
organizations and community groups (although the data from this survey do not reveal
these tendencies). Youth volunteer programs can provide an important and formative
experience that will increase participation and engagement over the long term. High-
skilled voluntarism such as TOKTEN and TRQN can also intentionally link professionals
to Serbia. Creating hybrid programs which allow the participation of both high-skilled
diaspora and youth should also be explored.
 Heritage tourism (Newland & Talor, 2010): Developing new tourist destinations and
attractions with the interests of the diaspora in mind can attract diaspora investors,
philanthropists and consumers. Public-private partnerships, marketing campaigns and
specialized tour offerings can aid in attracting the diaspora to these touristic offerings.
The idea of these policies is that instead of being a negative consequence for Serbia, emigration
become a resource for development. The other main idea of these policies is to recognize the
importance of the Serbian diaspora and the positive contribution that they can make. There is
considerable evidence that demonstrates if migrants emigrate with their families, they are less
likely to return (Portes, 2007). Nearly two-thirds (63.3%) of the sample is married, suggesting a
propensity to remain abroad amongst a majority of the sample, thus highlighting the importance
of developing temporary and circular migration policies for the diaspora. Keeping regular
contact with members of the diaspora as well as recognizing them formally through ceremonies
or visits of high-ranking officials in Serbia helps inform the diaspora about what is happening in
Serbia as well as allowing Serbia to be informed about its diaspora while creating visibility for
both (UNDP, 2006). Developing relationships with the diaspora can be predicated on initiatives
which give back to the diaspora without expecting concomitant commitment from the diaspora,
as evidenced with services and associations from a range of countries (UNDP, 2006: 21-22).
The UNDP has undertaken the Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN)
project, which allows for short term diaspora returns on special projects in a framework which
encourages participation and voluntarism (UNDP, 2006: 24). The IOM’s Temporary Return of
Qualified Nationals (TRQN) program in the Balkans has also been implemented in response to
the issues that arise when the diaspora cannot return permanently. IOM also has implemented
the Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) program, which helps build capacity through
short term and voluntary skill sharing, similar to TRQN. Policy options which increase
circularity of the skills and ideas of the diaspora can include (UNDP, 2006):
 Cooperation on joint projects

 Temporary contract employment for specific projects
 Conferences and meetings related to diaspora and development issues
66
 Information exchanges with the diaspora on relevant issues (as well as professional
surveys of the diaspora)
 Publications that are produced by the diaspora or involve the diaspora, increasing their
relevance and visibility
65% of the respondents are interested in using the internet for sending information, having
important implications for information dissemination. There are various popular search engines
and online newspapers which are used by Serbian internet users. Targeting highly accessed
websites with pertinent information can help diffuse knowledge about Serbian policies and social
programs for youth and diaspora. In addition, lists of project opportunities could be
disseminated via consulates, social networks (such as bars and restaurants, etc.), and shopping
malls or directly to the diaspora at a home address.
The engagement of the Serbian diaspora to return for the development of Serbia is highly
politicized. However, transfer of financial and human capital does not require return, and
temporary and circular migration can be effective. Overall, short run solutions to diaspora return
must include material incentives and competitive wages as well as social services related to
finding employment provided by the government, private agencies and international
organizations (See Tables 15 & 17).
Return is often by those who are old or who have failed in their expectations (Massey, et.al.,
1998). Evidence demonstrates that return is not necessary for engaging in national and local
development, however when it does occur:
Evidence suggests that return after a relatively short period abroad, especially among
low-skilled migrants and if caused by an inability to adapt to the foreign environment or
due to unforeseen and adverse family circumstances, is unlikely to contribute to
development. Return following a longer stay abroad when the migrant has saved a given
amount of money to meet specific development purposes back home – such as building a
house or investing in business related activities – has far better developmental prospects.
(Nyberg-Sørensen, Van Hear & Engberg-Pedersen, 2002: 27)
In the Serbian case, there is a trend that the longer they have been abroad the more likely they are
to remain abroad. However, across the sample, including age, citizenship and duration abroad,
the intention to move back five years from now increases. Harnessing the potential of this return
is essential.
4.2 Preventing Future Emigration and Providing an Environment for Stay
67
The main thesis of the Global Commission on International Migration (2005), for example, is
that migration polices should not replace solid policies that address, inter alia, unemployment,
wages, social security, inequality and education. If widespread economic reform is absent then
migration policies may lead to unintended effects that work to increase the problems that already
exist. When migration goes hand in hand with economic and political improvement then
solutions may arise. The GCIM focus on streamlining remittance flows, facilitating knowledge
networks, training and retaining professional personnel, developing cooperative institutions with
countries of destination, and developing trade and investments. These broad policy suggestions
synthesize development and migration, and may maximize the benefits of both.
It appears that perceptions of individual career prospects in Serbia are important for decisions to
leave Serbia and to stay for long periods in the host country (see section 3.7). The high levels of
respondents stating that their future plans involve a long duration outside Serbia correspond with
data that indicate people are uncertain about their career opportunities in Serbia. This suggests
that many respondents feel they have limited opportunities in Serbia. At the same time, however,
those who are uncertain are numerous. The data suggest that if a dramatic change in
employment opportunities were to occur in Serbia, and/or if people were made aware of
opportunities, then people would consider returning. Programs that promote the employment
opportunities in Serbia coupled with programs that encourage return and disseminate information
could have significant effects in the diaspora community. However, the change must be
perceived by the diaspora as particularly unique or significant, minor changes or fluctuations
may not be enough to attract them back, so a long-term approach to the labor market may
provoke changing return patterns. A long term approach is also necessary for the
implementation of programs which ensure people are enticed to remain in Serbia after they
return.
Policies of OECD countries often aim to attract high-skilled workers from around the world (See
for example European Council, 2010a). This has a direct effect on the highly-skilled Serbian
diaspora in the sense that they will be courted from Serbia to join destination countries. Drawing
out high-skilled benefits the host country directly as education costs are incurred by Serbia (30%
of the diaspora was highly-educated before leaving Serbia, see Figure 8) but are paid by another
host country. This also allows host countries to gain an advantage in scientific and educational
progress, as those highly-skilled use and improve their skills in a context outside of Serbia.
Fields such as engineering, manufacturing and construction as well as social sciences, law and
economics (see Figure 9) seem to be Serbia’s main labor ‘export’ into host countries. This
certainly has consequences for diminishing human capital in Serbia and the long-term social and
economic welfare of the country. This in turn sends signals to investors and other stakeholders
in the Serbian economy that their funds may be more useful elsewhere. Such an uncertain
perception of the future can be challenged by policies that attract the future professionals to
remain in Serbia.
68
The complex interplay of economic and political forces can be affected by Serbian government
involvement in lobbying and opening direct dialogues with countries of destination to address
their migrant labor policies and to consider Serbia’s situation when developing policies. For
example:
[I]t is essential for foreign aid and investment to be more carefully directed towards
countries and sectors that have been particularly affected by the loss of their professionals.
Co-investment programmes are one way to achieve this. ... Cooperative relationships
between labour-rich and labour-poor countries are required to promote co-investment in
the process of human capital formation and the development of a mobile and global pool
of professionals. (GCIM, 2005: 25)
The issue of co-development has seen currency in France, which links development measures
with return measures, as well as in Serbia, where re-admission agreements have been linked with
expanded visa conditions. It is too early to comment on the efficacy of such measures and it is
advisable to think seriously about the consequences for such policies. Furthermore, the Republic
of Serbia should lobby governments throughout the world to engage in workforce planning that
addresses the gaps filled by Serbian employees in these destination countries. Filling human
resource problems with employees from Serbia is short-sighted of destination countries and the
Republic of Serbia could make a strong case for cooperative planning with other governments in
this respect.
Wage differentials between Serbia and other countries may partially explain movement abroad.
Looking at all respondents, it is clear that a key motivating factor is income. The desire to obtain
a higher income is consistent with economic theories of migration, as individuals move to
maximize individual gain. A program that assists in matching desires with employer realities can
assist migrants in finding a job that fits their skill level.
The desire to have stable employment and job security cuts across most of the sample.
According to the data on expectations, employment may be more important than income,
indicating people are looking for a source of income rather than an amount of income. A
program that helps place returnees and potential migrants in certain temporary positions while
long term employment assistance is provided can help with labor market participation. Broad
policies which stimulate salaries and provide attractive employment opportunities are necessary.
Engineers and other high skilled migrants can easily transfer skills and in consequence have the
ability to exploit emigration opportunities. Other professions where skills are less transferable
may be underrepresented among the respondents because they are not as equipped to move
abroad. University students however are easily mobile and are still gaining potentially
transferable skills. A program which assists the highly-skilled in identifying positions which
match their skills can meet this need.
69
Uncertainty about future living expectations increases as time goes by, but the certainty that
some will be returning to Serbia in the near future (three to five years from now) increases as
well (See Table 11). This implies that almost a quarter of the Serbian diaspora may return to
Serbia five years from now, a considerable number, but that an almost equal (but greater) amount
will be remaining abroad, most likely in the country where they live now. Those who are
uncertain are the most crucial to understand, because their migration plans may include a return
to Serbia. The problem with the survey is that it does not address concrete planning for return,
only intention, and it is difficult to say whether intention will translate into return.
Across all ages people responded that finding adequate education is especially important. The
difficulty in accessing advanced education seems to be a factor in motivating people to move
(see Section 3). Programs which provide more spending on academics and scientific research work
can help to alleviate many of the migration pressures identified in Figures 18 and 19. Devising career-
building opportunities for youth will be essential to containing their outflow. Finally, equitable
access to services from the full range of diaspora upon their return must be ensured to avoid local
disparities of support. Social programs should be run by the government or private institutions
with the support of international organizations (see Table 17). Building trust in these institutions
is essential.
The Serbian government can benefit from providing incentive to Serbian academics abroad.
Those with Masters and PhDs can be encouraged to train and consult with the government or to
purse topics related to Serbia in their dissertations or research work, participate in joint research
projects with Serbian academics in country, or for the establishment of new research institutions
(UNDP, 2006: 28). Special engagement with those who have achieved their education primarily
abroad could entail their involvement in areas related to their special expertise, especially in
those fields found in Figure 11.
The high number of respondents with a higher education indicates that there may be a lack of
opportunity upon graduation, and that this lack is prompting graduates of higher institutions to
work and live abroad. Equally, the high number of respondents showing that education was
unimportant may mean that many felt they could find jobs that do not require specific higher
education (See Section 3 for more on reasons for going abroad). Moreover, many are leaving for
education abroad (this seems to contradict the first sentence of this paragraph). As the Serbian
population will continue to demand higher education, so too will they demand opportunity to
utilize their newly gained skills. Moreover, as the number of youth who have a successful high
school education expands, so too will the demand for appropriate higher education, and in
consequence institutions to accommodate these skills. It is expected then that the number of
young Serbs who request higher education will lead to more mobility and more options for
mobility.
For example, students now have a tremendous amount of mobility potential as university courses
are standardized across the EU. These adjustments in EU higher institutions will make it easier
70
for Serbian youth attending university to transfer their abilities across the EU and move around
the Union. There are two implications for this kind of student mobility – they will settle in
another country within the Union or further abroad or they will return to Serbia to utilize their
skills (for more on plans for the future and return see Sections 3.7 and 3.8). Enticing Serbian
youth back after their studies abroad is necessary for Serbia to maintain and broaden its skill base.
Furthermore, universities are increasingly competitive within the EU and within the world. They
compete to attract the best students, and given the data in this survey, the best of Serbia may
have responded. By marketing Serbian education systems abroad, Serbia can attract the
increasingly mobile students and scholars of the world as well as develop networks of the high-
skilled (Filipovic & Putnik, 2010).
Thus, Serbia should focus on recruiting and retaining foreign students in an effort to circulate
knowledge and increase the participation and partnerships with other universities, especially
capitalizing on opportunities with European programs (Kuptsch & Pang, 2006). In turn, the
visibility and recognition of Serbian universities will create market opportunities which would
hypothetically translate into less migratory pressure on citizens, leading to decreased migration
potential of parts of the population.
Finally, it should be noted that development can be the cause for more mobility (Castles, 2008).
More development means that mobility increases, and the Serbian government must recognize
that more mobility may occur as Serbia improves its socio-economic position in Europe.
4.3 Remittances
Carling’s (2004) study of the ways that remittances are susceptible to policy interventions, and
which policies have been successful in the development context, developed an extremely
succinct table outlining policy options for governments. The table appears in Table 20 below
and is replicated from Carling (2004: 6) and based on his extensive literature review. This table
can serve as a useful guide for Serbian policy makers in deciding which policies work better or
worse in the Serbian context. Carling’s report is an excellent resource for policy makers and
should be consulted further in reference to the following table. In addition, this report draws out
below some of the policy conclusions which are evident from the survey data.
Table 20: Carling’s Inventory of Policy Measures to Enhance the Development Impact of
Remittances
71
Objective Measure
Capturing a share of remittances for  Taxation of emigrants

development purposes  Duties or levies on remittances transfers
 Voluntary check-off for charitable purposes (on
transfer forms)
Stimulating transfers through  Remittance bonds
formal channels and/or stimulating  Foreign currency accounts
capital availability  Premium interest rate accounts
 Promoting/enabling transfers through
microfinance
 institutions (MFIs)
 Promoting financial literacy / banking the
unbanked
Stimulating investment of remittances  Outreach through MFI infrastructure
 Outreach through migrants’ service bureaus
 Tax breaks on imported capital goods
 Small to Medium Enterprise schemes (financial,
infrastructural, or innovative)
 Training programs
Outreach to diaspora associations  Matched funding
 Public-private ventures
 Competitive bidding for development projects
Influencing consumption patterns  Promoting consumption of local goods and
services
 Enabling migrants to spend on their relatives’
behalf
Source: Carling, 2004: 6
The data from Figure 34 show that if the Serbian diaspora were interested in investing their
remittances that they are likely to invest in something that may not have a high financial return,
but a high humanitarian or social return in their local area of origin. However, if social
investments in localities can be coupled with financial return for the diaspora investor, than the
means of attracting investors may be less difficult. Promoting social investment amongst the
diaspora may attract foreign investment and allocate risk more broadly and create an
environment where investors pool their resources to contribute to social causes in Serbia while
pursuing other investment opportunities at the same time. Thus, the diaspora can play the role of
innovators in social causes and investment opportunities, setting the stage for further discovery.
Family and social ties often underlie investment decisions, meaning that money from the
diaspora can flow back to communities of origin and involve motives other than pure profit.
72
However, some members of the diaspora may be interested solely in profits and returns, so
programs should cater to their needs as well. Deep community ties mean that members of the
diaspora may require less returns, as they are not interested in profit but the positive social
consequences of their investment. Lower returns for the investor means that the money lent is
less costly for the Serbian government. In other words, borrowed money from the diaspora may
require little or no return or interest paid. However, the diaspora may not be so forgiving if the
country mismanages the money, as evidenced in the survey by attitudes to uncertainty in the
strength of markets in Serbia.
Since respondents were interested in an on-line remittance system, perhaps a small percent levied
on each transfer could be used for community projects – with municipalities explaining well in
advance which initiatives are being prioritized, so that the project is as transparent as possible.
Matching funds for remittances could be an important tool for integrating diaspora resources
with government initiatives. Matched funds could include 2 RSD from the government for every
1 RSD from the diaspora, or any other feasible combination which can be met under the
government budget. If matching funds can be put to use in developmental or social programs,
without representing narrow interest groups, these programs may be more successful.
Finally, there are three potential hypotheses regarding the way the diaspora will send remittances
(HWWI, 2007):
1.The longer migrants are in the host country the relationship with Serbia declines and
remittances decline in turn.
2.The duration of residence in the host country is not related to the relationship with
country of origin, and remittances remain constant or non-existent.
3.Financial support for family increases in tandem as money is saved over time, and the
more stable the migrant becomes, the more opportunity for productive assets to be
transferred, leading to an increase in remittances over time.
The third hypothesis is the best option for Serbian policy makers, based on the data. Creating an
environment where affluent members of the diaspora make investments in Serbia requires
making Serbia a long-term focal point in the lives of the diaspora, which may not be possible. In
parallel, remittances used to invest in property or in capital markets is typical of long-term
migrants, as these migrants have more chances to save money and plan their finances
accordingly, giving them a stronger potential for investment in the country of origin. Finally, the
evidence indicates that the diaspora may hold financial assets outside of their income. Although
not recorded in the survey, these assets may include savings, retirement accounts, property,
equity or securities. How to mobilize these savings and channel them for productive investment
in programs that the diaspora support is crucial. Finally, many respondents carry their
remittances on their body when they transfer the money. Increasing public awareness about the
ways to receive money from the diaspora, the best ways to send it and how to make investments
73
can increase the security of transfers. Being able to quantify what encourages and what
discourages the diaspora from sending remittances formally can improve knowledge on the kinds
of remittance services and products to make available for them (HWWI, 2007).
4.4 Expected Challenges
It has become important for policy makers in Serbia to better quantify diaspora flows and
understand the trends and impacts they have on employment and social services. In particular,
developing policies that retain youth and help mainstream their employment opportunities,
promoting the return of the diaspora for social causes, and circulating the skills of the diaspora so
that skills are transferred from the highly educated diaspora back home. In general, it is
important to design policies that encourage the Serbian diaspora to invest and contribute to
economic growth in Serbia, through outreach and information dissemination programs.
Migration policies of sending countries like Serbia are often contentious. Due to the complex
social and economic environment that emigration occurs in, policies are often difficult to enact
and rarely have simple effects.
A potential long-term side effect of the proposed programs in this paper is that investing in
potential migrants, in an effort to stem or prevent their migration, may paradoxically lead to
further migration. The skills that are invested in may become necessary in labor importing
countries of the EU, leading to further outmigration of qualified youth from Serbia.
Alternatively, failure of public offices to support migrants in an efficient manner will lead them
to turn to private intermediaries or private institutions which outperform the state. Such policy
conundrums may be unavoidable however, and with a paucity of research it is very difficult to
determine accurately. The best policies may be those that do not target migrants directly, but
those that benefit the population as whole, which give potential migrants an incentive to stay,
and gives those who return more opportunity when they arrive.
An important question is the fiscal impact that the Serbian diaspora will have on government
resources when they return and when attracting them back. Initially the impact may be more
federal, but as more return the impact may be more local. Short term costs may come from
attracting back the diaspora whereas long term costs include social programs that ensure people
stay when they return. Finally, the challenge of mobilizing diaspora wealth is to ensure that
sufficient resources are mobilized to create and support projects in Serbia and that these
resources are stable so that the projects are sustainable over the long term. Another important
question is whether returning emigrants will displace workers already in Serbia. It must be
emphasized that the inability to properly predict further migration potentials leads to an inability
to predict the costs of return as well as the required administrative capacities.
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5 Suggestions for Further Research
It is important to determine how the survey data may be presented to national and international
stakeholders to best take advantage of the results and determine how it may be improved. A
crucial component includes which indicators are useful for policy makers and have relevance for
effective migration policy. The survey does a good job of describing the benefits and negative
effects of legal migration, and replicating the survey again may yield important insights over
time.
First, long-term longitudinal survey of certain individuals or a group of individuals may be

necessary for comparison over time and place, giving a more accurate picture of migration trends.
This could also involve the creation of a migration database to observe trends and for future
projections. This database could be coordinated from a third-party institution of higher learning
in Serbia or the Ministry of Statistics, whichever is more capable, to continuously update
information, both qualitative and quantitative of the Serbia diaspora. The Serbian Ministry for
Diaspora is creating a database providing information and contacts for diaspora associations
abroad (IOM, 2008: 26). This database is meant to contain information which will assist in
analyzing the current and long-term issues of the Serbian diaspora. The UNDP also has the
Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals databases which include data on skilled
nationals and could also include data on youth volunteer programs. A parallel example of such a
database is the African Experts database.11 This can contribute to flexibility in coordinating
temporary contracts and joint projects with the diaspora and assist in identifying long term trends
in the diaspora. This database could also be used to support the understanding of diaspora needs
over a longer time period than the current survey provides.
Second, previous suggestions by the stakeholders considered including sections on diaspora

associations, transnational links with Serbia and knowledge of languages (ILO, 2010). Building
on these suggestions could be a survey which is more qualitative and which can capture aspects
of the motivations and reasons why people are moving are better to answer some of the questions
of policy makers. A survey which captures migration history, integration measures and the
potential for return may highlight the determinants and indicators of return. In other words, a
series of questions related to the goals migrants are hoping to achieve when they go abroad will
help determine the factors which promote return to the country of origin.
Third, maintaining that the current survey is comparable with the Labor Force Survey means that
the section on labor history and status is important to retain, although data from this section are
less relevant to migration measures. It was also suggested by previous reports that the length of
survey may deter potential respondents, which implies shortening the sections on employment in
11
The African experts database can be found here: http://www.uneca.org/itca/ariportal/db.htm
75
order to increase the sections on migration parameters (ILO, 2010). Additionally, the survey
should remain analogous to other surveys carried out for comparison.
Fourth, it may also be necessary to ask specific questions of those who are most likely to return.
Sub-sections for potential return migrants could include questions on what they think the costs
are to them if they migrate home. These kinds of questions could also be replicated to determine
what people perceived the costs to be before they moved, and what the costs actually were after
they moved. Questions about professional development opportunities and the state of working
environments, such as access to technology, quality of facilities, burden of workloads, promotion,
training, etc. can help pinpoint very specific reasons for leaving and potential incentives for
return. Location of potential return is not included in the survey, and would be useful.
Respondents agreeing to provide information voluntarily may shed light on the origin
municipalities and regions, as well as potential return locations.
Fifth, it is important to expand the survey to include more detailed data on remittances. Knowing
how the diaspora is participating in mainstream capital markets both in Serbia and in their
country of residence will greatly enhance the knowledge of how the diaspora is investing its
money. Including questions in further surveys as to why the diaspora would invest in Serbia is
necessary. Tailoring the survey to identify how the diaspora participates in capital markets and
how they would participate in investment in Serbia is essential. Further research using an
updated survey specially designed in conjunction with an economist is necessary.
Sixth, nothing in the survey details potential obstacles to engaging the diaspora and gaining their
trust. Lack of engagement or lack of trust, as noted in Section 4, is critical in allowing diaspora
policies to fail. Success in building trust and bridges of engagement are critical, and including
questions on how to harness the trust of the diaspora should be integrated into future surveys.
Finally, family and household level variables should be included in further surveys. Elderly
family members residing with respondents, younger siblings, spouses which are Serbian citizens
or not and other family connections can elaborate the needs of potential returnees. For example,
having an elderly family member in the household may free up the labor of others in the
household, which may impact the amount of remittances sent back to Serbia in a positive manner.
Family connections within the host country may also benefit return migration through emotional
support as well as broaden social networks. The broadening of social networks through family
ties facilitates entrepreneurship within the country of origin as those in the home country may
find support from their diaspora brethren. The ability of family members to lend capital and
potentially cheap (or free) labor for starting up new businesses within the host country cannot be
underestimated. Creating youth labor programs that work to facilitate the knowledge and family
connections of the Serbian diaspora may yield promising results.
76
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The Serbian Diaspora and Youth: Cross-Border Ties and Opportunities for Development

Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels

1.1 Aims .............................................................................................................................................................6

1.2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................................7

2 Main Demographic Characteristics of the Sample ................................................................................................8

2.1 Education and Training Background .......................................................................................................... 13

2.1.1 Education before Residence Abroad ................................................................................................. 18

2.1.2 Education during Residence Abroad ................................................................................................. 20

2.2 Work Experience ........................................................................................................................................ 24

2.3 Labour Status ............................................................................................................................................. 24

2.4 Job Search .................................................................................................................................................. 29

3 Migration Parameters .......................................................................................................................................... 29

3.1 Legal Status ................................................................................................................................................ 30

3.2 Reasons for Migration ................................................................................................................................ 30

3.3 Duration of Residence Abroad ................................................................................................................... 33

3.4 Choice of Destination Country ................................................................................................................... 35

3.5 Judgments of the Serbian Community in the Host Country ....................................................................... 38

3.6 Remittances and Ways of Transfer ............................................................................................................ 38

3.7 Plans for the Future .................................................................................................................................... 46

3.8 Skills Acquired ........................................................................................................................................... 51

4 Conclusions & Implications for Policy ............................................................................................................... 62

4.1 Incentives to Return and Incentives to Contribute to Development ........................................................... 63

4.3 Remittances ................................................................................................................................................ 71

4.4 Expected Challenges .................................................................................................................................. 74

5 Suggestions for Further Research ....................................................................................................................... 75

2 Main Demographic Characteristics of the Sample

Table 1: Top Twenty Countries of Residence

Frequency Percent Cumulative

2.1 Education and Training Background

Figure 5: Youth Level of Education Outside the Republic of Serbia

Are you currently studying or training for a

Is your current level of education the same as when you left

2.1.1 Education before Residence Abroad

2.1.2 Education during Residence Abroad

Figure 13: Highest Educational Attainment in Serbia and Abroad

Lower secondary education lasting 1-3

Faculty, academy or higher school

Source: RSO, 2010: 15

2.2 Work Experience

2.3 Labour Status

Source: RSO, 2010: 16

Table 4: Crosstabulation of Work Performed in Previous Week and Youth

Figure 17: Reasons for Absence from Work

2.4 Job Search

Answering advertisements in journals, newspapers, or on the Internet seems to be the most

3.2 Reasons for Migration

The top three reasons for going abroad are:

1) Chances of finding a better paid job than you had in Serbia

2) Chances of finding employment

3) Acquisition of new or other occupation skills

Figure 18: Reasons for Going Abroad

Joining family or close friends 24.4 10.7 50.7 14.1

Gaining life experience 24 30.4 30.9 14.6

Improvement of language skills 16.4 31.4 36.9 15.2

Formal education at a university or similar institution 20.1 16 49.4 14.5

Acquisition of other new occupational skills 29.4 30.9 26.5 13.2

Chances of finding employment 31.2 31.3 24.4 13

Finding a specific job 26.7 30.8 28.6 13.9

Very important Important Unimportant No answer