The decision to return to one’s home country is never an easy one, especially for diaspora individuals who have been living abroad for a long time.
While some may feel excited about the prospect of returning to their roots, many are faced with a number of challenges and obstacles that can make the process incredibly difficult. One of the biggest challenges that diaspora individuals face when returning home is the lack of support they receive from their host countries.
In this article, we will explore the main challenges faced by diaspora when returning back home voluntarily, and provide some solutions to help them overcome these challenges.
- Lack of Information: One of the primary challenges faced by diaspora returning back home is a lack of reliable information about the situation in their home country. Many diaspora may have left their homeland at a young age or may have been away for a long time. As a result, they may be unfamiliar with the current political, social, and economic situation in their home country.
Solution: To overcome this challenge, diaspora can connect with local organizations that provide accurate and up-to-date information about their home country. These organizations can also help diaspora navigate the process of returning back home.
- Lack of Support in Host Countries: Diaspora returning back home may face a lack of support from their host countries. Host countries may not have adequate resources or programs to assist diaspora with their return journey.
One major issue that diaspora individuals face is the lack of access to information. Many are unaware of the necessary steps they need to take in order to return home, including obtaining the proper documentation and paperwork. This can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration, and can even discourage some individuals from returning home altogether.
Solution: So what can be done to address these issues? One solution is for host countries to provide more support for diaspora individuals who want to return home. This can include providing information about the return process, financial assistance, and even emotional support through counseling services. Diaspora can seek support from diaspora organizations and government agencies in their host country. These organizations can provide guidance and support to help diaspora navigate the process of returning back home.
- Financial Problems: Diaspora returning back home may face financial challenges. They may not have enough savings to support themselves during the transition period or to start a new business or project in their home country.
Solution: To overcome this challenge, diaspora can explore options for financing their return journey, such as microfinance loans or grants from diaspora organizations. They can also seek guidance from financial advisors to manage their finances during the transition period.
- Fear and Uncertainty: Diaspora returning back home may experience fear and uncertainty about what lies ahead. They may be unsure of how to navigate the social and cultural landscape of their home country.
Solution: To overcome this challenge, diaspora can seek support from diaspora organizations and local communities in their home country. These organizations can provide cultural orientation and language classes to help diaspora navigate the social and cultural landscape of their home country.
- Alienation: Diaspora returning back home may feel a sense of alienation or disconnection from their home country. They may have been away for so long that they no longer feel a strong sense of belonging.
Solution: Additionally, diaspora individuals can take steps to prepare themselves for the challenges of returning home. This can include networking with other diaspora individuals who have successfully made the transition, learning about the job market and economy in their home country, and building up their savings to help cover their expenses.
To overcome this challenge, diaspora can reconnect with their home country by exploring their cultural heritage and engaging in cultural activities. They can also seek out mentorship from successful diaspora who have returned home and have established successful businesses or projects.
- Family Obligations: Diaspora returning back home may feel a sense of obligation to their families and may be hesitant to leave their families behind in their host country.
Solution: To overcome this challenge, diaspora can explore options for bringing their families back home with them. They can also seek support from diaspora organizations and government agencies to help navigate the process of bringing their families back home.
- No Pension: Diaspora returning back home may face the challenge of not having a pension or adequate retirement savings in their home country.
Solution: To overcome this challenge, diaspora can explore options for setting up a pension or retirement savings plan in their home country. They can also seek guidance from financial advisors to manage their finances during retirement.
In conclusion, returning back home is a complex journey that requires careful planning and preparation. However, with the right support and guidance, diaspora can overcome the challenges they may face and successfully reintegrate.
If you are a member of the diaspora and want to get involved in local development or voluntary return to your home, or if you have any questions or ideas to share, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@cldd.se
We are always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our community and make a difference. Together, we can create a better future for ourselves and our communities.