Ukrainian Immigrants and Entrepreneurship Drain: Towards a Concept of Governance-Induced Migration

Abstract

The article develops a concept of governance-induced migration, focusing on the aspect of migrant motivations that remains largely underexamined in current migration research. The wage differentials, family reasons, and availability of welfare benefits are often indicated as the aspects of the host state with a “magnetic” power of attraction. The article argues that other aspects of state development also may prominently influence the behaviour of immigrants and their readiness to settle in a receiving country. The case study presented here of Ukrainian migrant entrepreneurs in Poland (interviews with fifty-one respondents) demonstrates that their motivations for migration are more complex and diversified. They encompass not only the economic and family reasons but also the quality and efficiency of public institutions. Governance-induced migration is associated with the perception of the host state as more citizen-friendly, transparent, effective in ensuring safety, and providing an environment for development. The differences between Poland and Ukraine in the functionality of public institutions and the level of socio-political risks lead to enhanced migration flows and entrepreneurship drain from Ukraine.