The deported: how the forcibly removed are treated in their country of origin – evidence from Ghana

Abstract

In recent decades, the practice of deportation has gained prominence in immigration policies, forming a crucial part of the immigration control armoury of many European and industrialised states. Some politicians across the political spectrum in these states often stoke xenophobic sentiments among sections of their populations, who demand the swift expulsion of foreign nationals they deem undesirable or 'illegal'. Governments duly oblige, introducing harsh removal policies that cause untold hardships for vulnerable immigrants who are administratively detained and ultimately sent back to their countries of origin, where they often face alienation. This study explored the detention and removal experiences of Ghanaian deportees, focusing on their reincorporation and estrangement in their home country from their perspective. The findings show that deportees' daily realities are centred around uncertainty, persistent social stigmatisation, and lack of governmental support that harms their economic, cultural, and psychosocial embeddedness. Despite their strenuous efforts to fully reintegrate and be accepted as valued members of their communities, their deportation seems to have defined their place in Ghanaian society as 'failures' and irresponsible individuals, leading many to contemplate leaving the country again. Aside from the reasons that instigated their initial migration, such as lack of opportunities, insecurity, and deprivation, deportation creates additional factors that drive deportees to consider remigrating. These include dealing with debt incurred from their initial migration and feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment of returning home empty-handed. The study thus sheds light on the repercussions of forced return migration, an underresearched area in this country.