Migration or immobility aspirations among young people of Chinese descent:

returning, remigrating or remaining

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18055/Finis37711

Abstract

This article analyses the aspirations of young people of Chinese descent regarding future geographic mobility or immobility. It examines how these aspirations may anticipate return migration, onward migration, or the intention to remain in Portugal. The theoretical framework focuses on the concept of aspirations, understood as a future project of (im)mobility, which forms part of these individuals’ mental maps. The methodology is based on the analysis of 26 semi-structured interviews with young people of Chinese origin, aged between 16 and 35, residing in Portugal. The findings reveal a diversity of future mobility aspirations, including projects of immobility (remaining in Portugal), return to their parents’ country of origin (China), or remigration to another country (usually within the European Union). The final section discusses the importance of considering the interplay between instrumental and intrinsic aspirations in both migration and immobility projects in the life trajectories of young people of immigrant origin.

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Published

2025-07-21

How to Cite

Gaspar, S., & Carone, R. (2025). Migration or immobility aspirations among young people of Chinese descent: : returning, remigrating or remaining. Finisterra, 60(129), e37711. https://doi.org/10.18055/Finis37711

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Articles