Outspoken but Unheard - How European Diasporas Shape Migration Along the Mediterranean

The relation between refugees and migrants in mixed migration flows along the Central Mediterranean Sea route (CMR) and the diaspora in Europe remains poorly understood. While some research suggests that diasporas in Europe act as a ‘pull factor’ for migration to Europe, diaspora members are also frequently hailed as potential key interlocutors in the provision of information and other types of support to refugees and migrants in countries of origin and en route.

The present assessment, conducted by REACH in collaboration with the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC), aims to explore the relationship between diaspora members in Italy and refugees and migrants along the CMR, in countries of origin, en route, and at destination. The study presents three case studies on refugees and migrants from Mali, Eritrea and Bangladesh.