The gap between here and there: Communication and information processes in the migration context of Syrian and Iraqi refugees on their way to Germany

Abstract

Set against the background of the so-called refugee crisis in Germany in 2015/16, this article asks about the subjective value that refugees give different sources of information and examines whether they were making informed decisions during the various stages of their transit. Between November 2015 and April 2016, four focus groups and 36 in-depth interviews were conducted with Syrian and Iraqi refugees, as well as interviews with Iraqi experts in the media and civil society sectors, based on the theoretical concepts of network and broadcast feedback developed by Bakewell and Jolivet. The results show that, unlike the mass media, personal network and narrowcast feedback were the most important sources of information for the study's participants. While most of the interviewees felt adequately informed both before and during their transit, it was mainly after the refugees arrived in Germany that they experienced a deficit of information.

Mobile communication and refugees: An analytical review of academic literature

“…Another possibility afforded by smartphones concerns the expansion of migration networks that can facilitate the organization of migration journeys (Dekker et al, 2018; Fiedler, 2019; Zijlstra & Van Liempt, 2017; Schaub, 2012). Refugees draw greatly on social networks to gain knowledge about asylum procedures in Europe, even before leaving their home countries, facilitating decision‐making processes regarding host country destinations (Fiedler, 2019; Gillespie et al, 2018). Dekker et al (2018) and Fiedler (2018) note that social media communication with groups of fellow migrants is a source of information and empowerment for refugees who can rely on the experiences of others who traveled to a certain route and went through registration processes at European borders.…”

The Digital Mediation of Migration: A Qualitative Thematic Synthesis

“…Reported migrant uses of digital media and technology reflect those of the broader population, yet often within the context of migration aspirations and necessities. A key overarching theme was that ICT enables migrants to the EU to gain information about their destinations and provided channels of communication between countries of origin and destination (Bakewell & Jolivet, 2015;Dekker et al, 2016;Dhoest, 2019;Milivojevic, 2018;Fiedler, 2019). Critically, digital media diversifies the means available for migrants to plan their journeys and find modes of entry into the EU (Coskun, 2018;Dekker et al, 2016;Fiedler, 2018;Kutscher & Kreß, 2018;Latenero & Kift, 2018;Mandić, 2017;Milivojevic, 2018).…”

“…at refugee camps (Twigt, 2018) or while integrating in destination countries (Dekker & Engbersen, 2014). Meanwhile, smartphones were frequently referred to as essential tools at all stages of the journey, but particularly during periods of mobility (Bokert et al, 2018;Chouliaraki, 2017;Dhoest, 2019;Fiedler, 2019;Gillespie et al, 2018;Hunter, 2015;Mandić, 2017;Milivojevic, 2018;Nagy;. Moreover, the literature mentions that a growing proportion of remittances are sent by migrants in Europe to countries of origin via digital transactions (Belloni, 2019 p. 3;Rodima & Grimes, 2019;Hunter, 2015;Fiedler, 2019;Tanzanu, 2018).…”

“…Meanwhile, smartphones were frequently referred to as essential tools at all stages of the journey, but particularly during periods of mobility (Bokert et al, 2018;Chouliaraki, 2017;Dhoest, 2019;Fiedler, 2019;Gillespie et al, 2018;Hunter, 2015;Mandić, 2017;Milivojevic, 2018;Nagy;. Moreover, the literature mentions that a growing proportion of remittances are sent by migrants in Europe to countries of origin via digital transactions (Belloni, 2019 p. 3;Rodima & Grimes, 2019;Hunter, 2015;Fiedler, 2019;Tanzanu, 2018). With access to these technologies, many migrants operate within digitally mediated contexts as archetypal agents of Harvey's (1989) 'time-space compression' with transnational connectivity to social networks and information across the globe.…”

“…Several authors argue that digital media and technologies can enable migrants to navigate their journeys to Europe with greater ease and security (Andersson, 2019;Dhoest, 2019;Gillespie et al, 2018;Kutscher & Kreß, 2018;Mandic, 2017;Milivojevic, 2018). The greater connectivity afforded through these mediums facilitates the formation of transnational communities between families, friends and shared sociocultural identities (Alinejad et al, 2019;Almenara-Niebla & Ascanio-Sánchez, 2019;Bayramoğlu & Lünenborg, 2018;Belloni, 2019;Dekker et al, 2016;Dekker & Engbersen, 2014;Dhoest, 2019;Ferra & Nguyen, 2017;Fiedler, 2019;Leurs, 2016;Patterson & Leurs, 2019;Pérez & Salgado, 2018;Tanzanu, 2018;Urchs et al, 2019). As a result, close and long ties can be developed and maintained across territorial boundaries, building transnational networks that are both a product and motor of migration.…”