RETURN MIGRATION OF RESETTLERS FROM ADJARA TO TSALKA: ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL NARRATIVES AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS

Abstract

The article examines the factors contributing to return migration among the Adjarian population resettled in Tsalka Municipality, focusing on the socio-economic integration challenges and the dynamics of remigration experienced by these communities. The paper aims to analyze the main drivers of return migration, state strategies, and reintegration policies, with particular attention to cases in which migrants’ expectations—economic improvement and the prospect of a stable living environment—were not fulfilled. The study is based on documentary analysis and field observations. The findings indicate that a significant portion of the Adjarian population relocated to Tsalka not only due to environmental hazards but also in search of better economic opportunities. However, the lack of local infrastructure, limited employment prospects, insecure housing conditions, and social tensions substantially hindered their integration. The study concludes that these challenges, combined with insufficient state support, became major factors driving return migration, resulting in the return of hundreds of families to their places of origin. In recent years, return migration has decreased as housing conditions and local infrastructure have gradually improved.

Keywords: Tsalka; return migration; Adjarian settlers; integration; adaptation; return; state strategy.