THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND THE WELFARE STATE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE AGEING OF THE MIGRANT POPULATION

Authors

  • Oana Ciobanu University of Geneva
  • Claudio Bolzman University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland and University of Geneva, Claudio.

Keywords:

International migration, transnationalism, the welfare state, health services, pension, ageing migrants, Portugal, Switzerland

Abstract

The article revisits the literature on international migration and the welfare state by focusing on the emerging population of ageing migrants. The scope is to develop a theoretical model that would allow the understanding of the inclusion of ageing migrants in the welfare state. The article enquires how do ageing migrants become included in the welfare system. Further, it narrows down and compares the Portuguese and Swiss welfare states with a focus on access to health care and pensions. The conclusion points to a heterogeneous population of ageing migrants that policies and states are not yet ready to accommodate.

Author Biography

Claudio Bolzman, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland and University of Geneva, Claudio.

******

Data from the Swiss fieldwork research was obtained in the framework of the research project “Romanian Ageing Migrants in the Welfare State” funded by the National Swiss Foundation for Science (FNS), coordinated by Claudio Bolzman, project number IZERZO_142219/1. Data from the Portuguese fieldwork research was obtained with the support from CESNOVA, New University of Lisbon and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. We are grateful to these institutions for their support.

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Additional Files

Published

16-11-2015