Transnationalism

Transnationalism can be seen as a space in which migrants create a relationship - real or imaginary - between their country of origin and the host society. The indicators below explore the nature of this complex relationship. They provide us with information about the types of relationship between “here” (Switzerland) and “there” (the country of origin) that migrants and their descendants build over time and how they maintain them.

Family abroad

72% of people born abroad or born in Switzerland whose parents were born abroad have at least one close family member living abroad. Of these, 49% said their brothers and sisters lived outside of Switzerland, 37% their mother and 30% their father. Among the family members mentioned most often, grandparents come in fourth place (27%). Almost 10% have children living in other countries: 6% are adult children and 3% minors. Only 4% or 3% of people born abroad or born in Switzerland whose parents were born abroad say that they have a partner or, respectively, a grandchildren abroad. On average, two family members living outside Switzerland are mentioned.

Close family members living abroad, 2017
  %
Brothers and sisters 49.0
Mother 36.8
Father 30.4
Grandparents 26.6
Children (+18) 6.4
Grandchildren 3.9
Partner 3.3
Children (-18) 2.6
Source: FSO - SLFS, migration module

Trips to the country of origin

67% of people born abroad or born in Switzerland whose parents were born abroad visit their country of origin at least once a year. This figure varies according to whether there are family members living in the country of origin, such as a parent or brothers and sisters. 75% of people who have a close relative living outside Switzerland make the trip to their country of origin at least once a year, whereas for those without relatives abroad, the rate is 47%.

Types of contact

Among people with a migration background who have close family abroad, 89% are in contact by phone or internet at least once a month; 76% visit at least once a year and 18% send money at least once a year. Long-distance communications are the most common form of contact. 72% of people have both monthly contacts as well as making annual visits.

Further information

Tables

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Contact

Federal Statistical Office Section Demography and Migration
Espace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland

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https://www.bfs.admin.ch/content/bfs/en/home/statistics/population/migration-integration/transnationalism.html