Why do democratic states offer money to legally resident immigrants to leave the country?
In this lecture, Professor Michael Sharpe examines such schemes in the Netherlands, Japan, and Spain between 1985 and 2025. The programs have mainly targeted unemployed immigrants and their families, offering financial support as an incentive for voluntary return.
Going beyond economic arguments, Sharpe explores what this policy tells us about national identity, citizenship, and belonging.
Why are some immigrants welcomed as part of the nation, while others are encouraged to leave? How do governments balance economic considerations, political pressure, and ideas about who truly belongs?
ALL IS WELCOME!
When and where?
- Time: 3 November 2026, 3:15–4:30 p.m.
- Location: Auditorium A, University of Inland Norway, Lillehammer
A public lecture followed by questions and discussion.
Organized by the research group EUGLOB and the study program of
International Studies at the Institute for Law, Philosophy and International Studies.
Contactperson:
- rosemarie.breemer@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 61 28 75 68