Female Migrants from Georgia: Profiles and Migratory Projects

Abstract

The profile of Georgian migrants depends on whether they migrate to countries within or outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The distinction is also gendered. Closely examining female migrant profiles reveals key trends in their migration projects. Reflecting Georgian economic instability as well as social and family organization, these goals often appear to be rather short-termed and circumstantial. At the same time, partly because of the ways remittances are used, returning to Georgia is often as difficult as deliberately planning long-term migration. However, in this context, female migration to Turkey offers a special and more flexible case of mobility.