Changes in Irregular Emigration: A Field Report from Fuzhou

Abstract

This paper is based on case studies in Fuzhou, China, with the aim of exploring the changes in Fuzhou's irregular emigration activities. The findings indicate that due to changing socio-economic and historical circumstances, a more legalizing tendency of irregular emigration from Fuzhou can be observed. Among these new developments are the following: less risk, along with the use of safer tactics, is now involved in the process of emigration; emigrants are better supported with resources such as financial support, network support and a higher level of education; ''legal'' status is cherished in the process of emigration, and fewer and fewer emigrants are likely to be victimized by organized smuggling groups; and migratory waves have decelerated and the passion for emigration has become both more rational and more sensible.

A pollution incident at aQiaoxiangvillage in China: the role of migration in civic organization and political participation

“…With the emergence of modern communication technology, contact between the Qiaoxiang and overseas regions, for the first time in history, is convenient, cheap and quick (Sheng and Bax 2012). Since every household in Fu-cun has internet access, information about pollution from Refinery-G quickly spread to families, relatives and friends overseas through social media chat tools such as QQ.…”

“…Within academic circles, irregular/illegal emigration from Fujian has become an issue garnering academic attention and social concern (Sheng and Bax 2012). It is estimated that irregular migrants constitute between 40% and 50% of Fujian's new concluding that irregular/illegal immigrants from China tend now to be legalized.…”