More Algerian expatriates returning home

2006-06-21

The improving economic and safety situation in Algeria has led to a surge in Algerian expatriates returning home. The infusion of money from expatriates and the increase in foreign investors in Algeria should further help the national economy.

By Lyes Aflou for Magharebia in Algiers – 21/06/06

[Getty Images] Algerians wait for the departure of a ferry bound for Algiers in Toulon harbour, southern France. Nearly 6,000 Algerian expatriates return to the country each year.

The burgeoning trend of Algerian expatriates returning home was a major topic of discussion at a Tuesday (13 June) Algiers conference called "Algeria-Europe: What future?" It was organised by the Inter-Maghreb Economy and Society Network.

Said Musette, a migration specialist at the Centre for Research in Applied Economics and Development, cited Algerian customs statistics indicating that around 2,000 Algerian expatriates returned home annually between 1987 and 1998. The numbers have jumped to between 5,000 and 6,000 people annually since 2000. The return of expatriates, who most commonly settled in France, is likely spurred by signs of economic progress and a safer environment in Algeria. Other likely contributing factors are difficulty in obtaining visas and escalating xenophobia in France, according to Musette.

The return of Algerian expatriates "is becoming more organised and more intense. People's perception of Algerian migration will change when they see the figures," Musette told reporters at the conference.

Mass economic emigration began in the wake of independence from France in 1962, which led to a significant brain-drain for Algeria. The 1990s saw another period of mass migration during a period of intense violence and instability.

The migration flows led to around 1.3 million Algerians settling in European countries, according to 2003 statistics by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development statistics (OECD). The organisation found that 35.6 per cent of the people still consider themselves Algerian citizens, while 64.4 per cent claimed to have adopted the nationality of their host country.

Musette notes that the Algerian migrant population is falling compared with other foreign populations in France. The rate fell from 21.7 per cent in 1982 to 17.1 per cent in 1990 to 14.6 per cent in 1999.

The trend of expatriates returning is accompanied by a significant transfer of funds. The total transferred to Algeria rose to 1.4 billion dollars in 2004, according to a study by the European Investment Bank. Musette indicates ongoing studies will soon provide information on the social status of people returning to Algeria.