THE MIGRATION PROCESS OF ROMANIANS TO ANDALUSIA, SPAIN. FOCUS ON SOCIOECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS

Based on a case study research carried out among Romanian immigrants in Andalusia, Spain, through this paper we aim to outline a wide image of the investigated migratory process. The focus is on the description of its fundamental characteristics and on its socio-economic implications for both the sending and the receiving regions. In this context, we aim to raise awareness among policy makers in relation with the magnitude and complexity of the phenomenon, for its proper management. Statistical and econometrical analysis were developed in order to process the information gathered through the quantitative research, while the inductive approach was used in order to analyze the information obtained from the qualitative pieces of research. The scarce financial conditions in Romania determined many people to search for job opportunities – in particular in agriculture, child or elderly care, or housekeeping – in Andalusia, especially in the provinces of Seville and Huelva. However, during the past period, the economic crisis was strongly putting a mark on the Spanish economy and many of the investigated immigrants were unemployed. Even though, in general, their coming back intentions were not very clear. Socio-economic implications – both positive and negative – arise from the migration process of Romanians to Andalusia, for both the sending and the receiving countries. Remittances, solving shortages on the labor market, or increase in regional and national incomes may fit in the first category, while the second category may be composed of examples such as families left behind, school dropouts, children involvement in dangerous entourages and/or in illegal activities, tensions on the labor market etc.