Findings and suggestion

This thesis started with showing a theoretical framework related to the determinants of migration (with the main driver of migration is the dynamic process of development and global economic integration) and returns migration (return then was understood as eminent expertise abroad wherever the migrant accomplished the goals of higher financial gain and also the upper level of education, skills, foreign work experience, values and attitudes) (chapter 1).

After providing an overview of the international migration of Vietnamese people all over the world in recent decades (chapter 2). The chapter starts with reviewing the trends of International Migration, including Vietnamese people residing abroad and the annual entry-exit trends of Vietnamese citizens. Then, this chapter outlines the current status of Vietnamese labor migration, focusing on the statistic trend of labor under oversea Contracts. Finally, this chapter analyzes the factors and migration channels for international migration.

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Later, reviewing the context of migration between Japan and Vietnam, Japan is the country that receives the most Vietnamese workers after Taiwan and the number of Vietnamese studying in Japan had sharply risen recently, making Viet Nam became the second-highest exporter of students to Japan behind China (chapter 4).

In this study, I provided empirical evidence to better understand the relationship between international migration, remittance, and economic development by examining migrant households in Vietnam. In the first analysis (chapter 3), the empirical results are consistent with a significant number of international studies showing that international migration and remittances have a significant positive impact on household income. Mainly, after controlling for other factors, households with migration experience and remittances received have a per capita income of about 50% higher than households without any migrants.

Households living in urban and rural areas with migrants or receiving remittances have a significant positive impact on household income as compared to non-migrant households. The results additionally show differences in income levels between households living in rural areas and those living in urban areas.

In the second analysis of the thesis (chapter 5), I investigated the socio-economic situation of Vietnamese migrants after returning from Japan. The results revealed that the return migrants had obtained additional degrees and qualifications abroad, in addition, returning migrants also gain certain benefits.

With the skills and experience accumulated abroad, migrants on the return are normally able to move out of previous occupations, especially the shift from the public sector to the private sector, non-governmental organizations and Japanese companies in Vietnam. There is a significant improvement in wages and income depending on the work sector, the highest income group is people working for Japanese companies, followed by a group of people working for private companies and non-governmental organizations, the lowest in the state sector. Furthermore,

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the economic conditions of the returnees had improved, as believed that they have a better salary and job position than before going abroad and also their lives become wealthier than before.

However, there is a clear difference between the target groups when I conduct an analysis based on the results of in-depth interviews with returning migrants in rural areas (low-skilled migrant group), focusing on those who have faced difficulties in their reintegration process (chapter 6). The study’s findings indicate that Vietnamese migrant workers face challenges in the return and reintegration stage, the most important point being that experienced migrants have had difficulty reintegrating locally; the financial situation of several returnees worsened as a result of their labor migration, and some fell into debt upon their return and struggled to find work. Access to information about the domestic employment market, and resources for the support of returnees, have been limited and ineffective. Returning migrants found that upon their return, their capacities were not sufficiently recognized; few opportunities existed to develop their careers, and local businesses were often unattractive employers. The intention to re-migrate is a common feature among returned migrants, as they are often unsatisfied with their return and express a desire to re-emigrate in the future.

The findings of the analysis in this thesis carry important policy implications. The government of Vietnam has been active in making overseas jobs available to a greater number of households, especially among the poor. The results of my first analysis provide evidence that the landscape of international migration in the country is changing; it is undeniable that remittances play an increasingly important role in socio-economic development and poverty reduction.

The problem is whether the source of remittance has been used effectively or not, at present there is no comprehensive research on this issue because, in Vietnam, remittances are mainly sent via individual channels, which are difficult for the government to control. The result provides important policy implications for the

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government of Vietnam, which is looking for ways to promote the productive use of remittances. The government may wish to promote productive use of remittances by creating environments conducive to lucrative investments.

Analysis from in-depth interviews shows that less educated and fewer wealthy households are engaged in migration in recent times. In addition, social networking facilitates migration within the community as a significant contributor to migration. The new migrant households are likely to be indebted and pay off the loans they have made to pay for migration costs. The government will be advised to continue supporting new and potential migrant families with the aid of promoting unsecured loans and low-interest rates for migration. Besides, current research shows that recruitment agents and local brokers play an increasingly important role in facilitating international migration for households with inexperienced migrants. The government might also desire to work collaboratively with trustworthy agents and strengthen measures to protect migrants from fraud and abuse as more and more less-educated households take part in employment abroad.

Support services for returned migrants should be enshrined in legal frameworks and policies should help fully utilize the skills they learned abroad in regards to both low-skilled and highly-skilled return migrants.

In research terms, this study has revealed a number of important and interesting findings that consistent with the existing literature on return migration and reintegration and contribute to studies of returning migrants in Vietnam:

- The difference in this study compared to other studies about return migrants and reintegration is its focus on the new labor market (Japan).

While other studies show that migrant workers in countries like Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia… often have long-term employment of 3 to 5 years or longer, but in Japan, migrant workers can only work for up to 3 years under the Technical Intern Training Program up to 2017. This led to disparities

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in accumulated income as well as the many problems that return migrants from Japan face when they return, such as facing financial difficulties or falling into debt status. The new program since 2017 made it possible for migrant workers to stay in Japan for up to 5 years.

- The thesis has synthesized the structural channels of Vietnamese migrants, including international in general and Japan in particular. Designing a migration information transmission channel which no studies have explored this issue before.

- The thesis also explores the social network aspect of low-skilled migrants in rural areas of Vietnam, contributing to complementing the data source of migration-related to social networks. This information will help policymakers develop appropriate policies and programs in providing the most necessary and accurate information regarding migration to potential migrant households in the future.

- The results of this study provide a different perspective on the impact of migration, especially on the socio-economic situation and integration process of low skilled migrants in rural areas. The significant impact of this migration on individual migrants with regard to maximizing the benefits of returned migration deserves further investigation. The Vietnamese government, jointly with other stakeholders, should develop a brain gain strategy to align returnees’ expertise with the needs of the national labor market.