Explaining Change in Established Migration Systems: The Movement of Algerians to France and the UK

Abstract

The geography of migration to Europe has changed considerably over the last decade. The Algerian migration system offers an example of the diversification that has also occurred for other migrant groups. Until recently Algerian emigration followed very firmly established patterns directed almost exclusively to France. Algerians now travel to a wide range of destinations. This paper explores the reasons for this diversification by considering the movement of Algerians to the UK and France. The most important reasons for the changes in emigration from Algeria can be found in Algeria itself where the prolonged conflict and its social and economic effects have considerably altered the context of emigration, affecting the profile of emigrants and their reasons for leaving. The changing situation in France has also contributed to these developments. France has always been the most natural destination for Algerians but since the beginning of the conflict migration to France has become much more difficult for Algerians. The changing profile of Algerian emigrants also means that they have less in common with the large settled Algerian community in France than was previously the case. The movement to Britain has arisen partly due to changes in Algeria and progressive exclusion from France but also for other reasons particular to Britain. This research found no support for the commonly held beliefs that Britain is attractive due to a favourable asylum system, the existence of settled communities or to particular political interest groups. Rather, Algerians come to the UK since it has few connections with Algeria at a governmental level and they perceive it to be more tolerant towards Algerian nationals. On a theoretical level this suggests that in certain circumstances social networks do not play as dominant a role as is sometimes thought in directing migration. These findings also have significant implications for attempts to harmonise policy at a European level. They suggest that the movement of asylum seekers from one European state to another is largely unrelated to differences in asylum systems.