HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography (2010) 4.1, 89-104 www.humangeographies.org.ro

THE RECENT DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY OF MOLDAVIAN POPULATION

Radu Dimitriua*

a University Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Iasi, Romania

Abstract: During the last few years the international migration of our fellow citizens has become a day to day trifle. Even before accessing the European Union, Romanians had learnt what Europe stands for, what it aspires to and especially how the real and rich Europe functions, that all so desired and precious Europe. However, this learning act did not occur through the classical method, in a theoretical – didactical manner; instead it was achieved on a more empirical note, in which the place of the classrooms and the sophisticated conference rooms was taken by the actual economic activities performed by Romanians in the West after 1989. Up to this point, adapting and finding a common goal meant physical and nervous effort as opposed to intellectual exercise and academic approach. Categorized by the mass-media with such derogatory titles as “strawberry-pickers”, “Italians” or “voyagers” – these migrants play an important role for the Romanian social landscape, that of a catalyst for the integration of this country into an economically functional system. More than anyone and anything, they constituted the binding material to connect the rest of the country to the West. All these recent past years, they formed the “source” and the “pipeline” through which the wellbeing of so many people poured, from the packed European wallet to the spacious local money belt. Thus, in recent years in Romania, the rich uncle from America multiplied into millions of copies. In fact there was a rather sudden change from an almost entirely internal migration imposed by political restrictions of the movements within a confined space (with a prevailing village-towards-city trajectory) to a totally different structure, in which the main element of novelty is represented by the (re)activation of migration flows with international destinations. Once activated, especially after the year 2000, this type of migratory behavior tends to become one of the most important socio-economic phenomena manifested in present Romania.

Key words: Migration, Emigration dynamic, Age-structure migration, Moldavia, Romania

Moldavia – a land in search of its very difficult to realize – fact proved not only wellbeing by Romania`s example but by other ex- communist European countries. After 1989 a series of very difficult social Abandoning the communist regime and constrains have disappeared such as the the centralized-planned economy system extremely pronatalist policy that wasn’t meant that multiple changes took place in the accompanied by social protection measures, Romanian society, which were visible on the extreme lack of aliments and the absence absolutely all levels. The overturn of a social from the general market of common goods, organization pattern which was already deeply the poor quality of services, affected by the rooted in the collective memory and replacing restrictions imposed in order to pay the it with another one with opposing features is external debt (cutting the electrical current was a common fact and the household heating *Corresponding author: was extremely deficient) or the system of job Email: [email protected] placements (in which an individual could be RADU DIMITRIU forced to work in a different part of the principles, which is unheard of in some country). situations, like for example the existing While these aspects had a general communication network, connecting the new uniform territorial distribution at a smaller industrial enterprises to the existing culture scale there were differences in the living heritage, or even the necessity of the finite standards. Thus, if the western and south- products on the internal or external market. western parts of the country (Transylvania and The overall effect was that many of the Banat) and the capital city have had higher industrial objectives that emerged in the living standards the eastern province of triumphant communist era didn’t stand out Moldavia has consistently situated at the for their superior efficiency or productivity as opposite pole. During the course of history the some of them where kept functioning thanks poor economic development of Moldavia to subsidies offered by the state. represent a constant state of facts the main All these factors, to which we can add element that impeded the economic the lack of interest generated by the lack of development was represented by the lack of private property of the production means, natural resources. Having a peripheral status explains why the Romanian industry suffered on a national scale, Moldavia has always been a huge collapse shortly after the 1989 under Russian influence which didn’t have a Revolution. favourable influence on the economic life at One of the rights earned after the events that time especially if we were to compare it that took place in December 1989 and the with the western part of the country where – disappearance of the centralized-planed through the German and Hungarian organizational model is the freedom of minorities – a more different pattern more circulation. This manifested both on an similar to the Western European one was internal aspect (through significant territorial adopted. The north-eastern part of Moldavia rearrangements either from city to city either was for a short period of time under Austro- from villages towards cities) but also Hungarian control (during the XVIII century), externally, the valuing of the possibility of which allowed for the apparition of a more crossing the border, and applying the personal advanced economic organization especially as will and resolution to this type of decisions far as the industry goes. leaves important marks upon the Due to these disparities in economic demographic, economic and social features of development between the eastern and the the population. Once embraced, this type of western parts of Romania, Moldavia (holding migratory behaviour tends to become a demographic vitality that seldom surpasses especially after the year 2000, one of the the national average) constituted the starting defining socio-economic phenomenon point of some important internal migratory manifested in nowadays Romania. flows, especially after the Second World War, either towards Transylvania and Banat or towards the more prosperous cities from the Known, unknown and more south (for example Bucharest and Constanta). In order to reduce these disparities but importantly, still to be discovered to also keep in conformity with the legislation migratory aspects at that time, that needed to keep “a balanced and judicious territorial development”, the The only available statistical data that Romanian government invested primarily in we dispose of that can present a dimension of the less developed regions trying to reduce the the Moldavian emigration phenomenon are existing disparities even those at a historical those offered by the population census from level, by building industrial units and focusing 2002, even though – as is the case many times on the heavy industry. Unfortunately when when it comes to delicate subjects – the data making these investments the state only is certainly arguable and under evaluated1. followed the principle of equal territorial But, no matter the degree of viability of development and neglected a series of other the official data (which were probably halved)

90 HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 THE RECENT DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY

Data source: The Population and Settlements Census (2002) Figure 1. The geographical distribution of the emigration phenomenon in Moldavia (2002) and assuming that the lack of trusts of the - a second basin (southern) that mostly population is equally manifested territorially overlaps with the administrative outline of we can realize and analysis of the entire the Vrancea County with the note that Moldavian space that can point out the place similar to before characteristically secondary and characteristics of the population from this extensions exist towards the sub-Carpathian sub-Carpathian sector from this particular area as well as towards the west part of point of view (fig. 1). Galaţi County up to Tecuci; The approach we pursued reveals that - finally a third major emigration basin within the Moldavian space there are three (that has a central location) is easy enough major emigration basins: to identify, along the Siret Valley, north of - a northern basin, centred around the Roman and up to Adjud, that merged with Rădăuţi Depression with significant the previously presented basin. A totally extensions either towards the western part different secondary area can be pinpointed either – similar to an appendices - towards towards the Trotuş Valley, which goes up to the town of Suceava; the city of Oneşti.

HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 91 RADU DIMITRIU

One can observe at a first glance that as destinations and especially the reasons for far as the territorial distribution of these migrating. Another preferred direction was emigration points goes they are all located the analysis of the relation existing between west of the Siret Valley (which divides the entrepreneurial and migration (R.G. Umbreş), province on a north – south direction in two as well as the consequences that this type of almost equal shares), the Moldavian major migrations have on young children (Romelia axis that functions as a borderline that Călin). separates different compartments. The major Although these sociologic studies are basins release ramifications that irradiate only interesting and welcomed on the scientific subsidiary towards east, as in the case of stage their utility is more than once truncated Dorohoi towards north, or Roman (where the from a geographical point of view as they only social binding agents are much stronger and cover the phenomenon at a general scale and harder to eliminate; here, on both sides of the frequently have gaps as far as the structural Siret Valley the common denominator is very segregation of the population samples goes, well defined). Within the “dessert” of which are viewed as an amorphous mass or – territorial representation from the eastern part in the best cases – in a syncretism stasis that of Moldavia, only the cities Iaşi, Vaslui, Tecuci doesn’t justified a more elaborated analysis. and Târgu Frumos represent “oasis” (fact only The obstinate analysis of the behavioural partially true when it comes to Galaţi). motivations (for example) is not always able to Unfortunately the 2002 census doesn’t facilitate the decoding of the existing offer any information regarding the mechanisms behind the international destination of the emigrants but our onsite migrations network. research made in different cities and regions On the other hand, the geographical of Moldavia (finalised or ongoing) showed a attempts (I. Muntele, O. Groza, I. Ianoş and definite prevalence of people that choose Italy others) are useful for their contributions as a destination point namely 60 to 75% of the brought in deciphering the trends of the total number of emigrants. The second migratory flows, with emphasis on the region country of choice but following at a large (or county) of departure as well as the most distance is Spain with a share of 10-15% from important receiving counties. These studies the total flows. were based partly on the statistical data The question one can ask observing all provided by the Romanian Statistical Yearbook this is: what is the logic that guides this type of (editions issued after 1989) which constitutes distribution, what are the reasons that make a more important source of quantitative for significant areas react identically or on the information and also have a higher degree of contrary for them to be separated from such credibility. different features? It is impossible to offer a The studies made by foreign geography short, generally valid and with a socio- researchers are more numerous but they geographical catholicon characteristic answer analyse this phenomenon from the because the diversity of the situations is too perspective of the communities that receive great (which does not stops us from intuiting the emigrants, we hereby name a series of some sequential explanations). French, Italian and British specialists that On a scientific level, studies regarding manifested constant interest in this matter the migrants were elaborated in Romania in (Violette Rey, Maria Luisa Gentileschi, P. the latest years by a series of sociologists (D. Nodari, Flavia Cristaldi and others). In such Sandu, Dana Diminescu, S. Lăzăroiu etc.), cases it is only natural that the topics of considering mainly aspects like: interest would be those concerning the characteristics of the emigration phenomenon establishment and rendering functional of the on a regional scale, areas of migration, emigration networks (either legal or illegal), selectivity of the potential migration, aspects ethnical segregation of the urban minorities regarding the integration within the host (analysed in some cases even at a street level) society, evolution of the attractiveness of the or the changes occurred in the percentage that

92 HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 THE RECENT DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY the national minorities register due to the winding trend with a general descending qualitative and the quantitative changes of the character and reaching a maximum value in immigration phenomenon. In addition to this, the early years following the fall of the studies with interdisciplinary features have communism, with an “altitude” of 96 929 emerged that analyse - within this context - persons (25.1% out of the total number of the intercultural relationships, the inter- emigrants for the entire period) – obvious community solidarity of different ethnic expression of the regained freedom of groups or purely social aspects like circulation but also a viable indicator of the delinquency, education level (and even the post revolutionary sympathy of Western school results that the children of the Europe objectified through an increased emigrants obtain) or the health care of the tolerance in accepting the emigrants coming new comers. from our country (fig. 2). In spite of all this, All these point out towards the necessity one must also consider the ethnic of obtaining valuable data concerning the composition of the primary emigration flows nowadays international migrations and the that have a strong allogeneous trend, so that method of choice in this case would be that of at the present time we rather have a the rationalised (guided) survey. This type of regrouping of the main co-inhabiting ethnic survey has the advantage that unlike the groups (fig. 3). Thus, during the `90 the random survey, it offers population samples Germans represented 62.0% of the population more relevant for the subject of interest, as it that was migrating and the Hungarians 11.4% is based on a pre-established principle – that while the Romanian contribution constituted of taking into consideration only the only a quarter of the total population (more population sample that it is actively involved in exactly 24.6%). the analysed phenomenon. The fact that the West has opted for Thus, using this method there were such a rapid legislative withdrawn on this registered a number of 11 691 persons that matter is obviously emphasized by the temporarily or permanently left the country subsequent evolution of the migratory leaving from Moldavia between 1990 and 2006 phenomenon, with a drastic lowering of the and presented an economic-financial reason echelons until 1995, when, the deterioration of as the exclusive purpose for these the socio-economic climate of the country – movements2. due to the often inflation accesses – generated This type of emigration has almost a new migratory flow, this one with a entirely (93%) a temporary character secondary feature (almost 26.000 persons). (oscillatory), most often with annual Later on, the profile of the graph becomes comebacks, but it is very hard to categorize more sinuous with a secondary peak in 2000, from this point of view those persons that are as a result of the opening of the Schengen gone for a long period of time, that already borders and another one in 2004, especially have a legal status in the country of residence due to the legislative relaxation adopted by but still want to return to Romania. the Italian government regarding immigration. One mustn’t forget the fact that due to the increase of the availability degree, the Dynamic and structural characteristics financial costs necessary for the migration of the Moldavian emigration process dropped (a series of intermediaries phenomenon were eliminated, either the guides or the so- called tourism agencies), so that they became The official data regarding the accessible to an ever larger sample of emigration phenomenon at a national level as population. Meanwhile, international they appear in the Romanian Statistical migration has become a “product” easier to Yearbook (2007)3 shows that between the “purchase”, due to the balancing of the years 1990 and 2006 it presents a rather demand and offer ratio.

HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 93 RADU DIMITRIU

30

25

20

% 15

10

5

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Data source: Romanian Statistical Yearbook (2007) Figure 2. Dynamic of the Romanian emigration (1990 – 2006)

Data source: Romanian Statistical Yearbook (2007) Figure 3. The ethnic structure of the Romanian emigration (1990 – 2006)

If all these were the features of the regions (as a result of imitating the traditional general (national) evolution we can observe behaviour of the population in this area), the that the dynamic of the emigration eastern part of Romania has suffered a much phenomenon from Moldavia has been one slower process of de-partitioning and the time entirely different (fig. 4), with ascending difference was actually allocated to features. The common points of the two readjusting the mental space needed to start graphical representations are represented by and maintain the migratory actions. In other the peak from 1995, as well as the boom from words this resuscitation of migration that took the year 2000, followed by a decrease4, according to the general trend of the place after the events from December 1989, at Romanian emigration. a later moment than the national average, is a Far from surprising us, this mirrored feature characteristics only to our area of image is the effect of the socio-economic and interest, and is visible even when things are cultural disparities within the country; while analysed at a regional scale (in the care of the first groups of post-communist groups of Bacău and Neamţ counties as pointed out by I. emigrants came from the intra-Carpathian Muntele, 2003).

94 HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 THE RECENT DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY

30

25

20

% 15

10

5

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Data source: Field work data, R. Dimitriu (2009) Figure 4. Dynamic of the Moldavian emigration (1990 – 2006)

Data source: Romanian Statistical Yearbooks (2000 - 2007) Figure 5. The main destinations of the Romanian emigrants during 1990 and 2006

These entire migratory flows have of In the case of the Moldavian emigrants course a destination point. In Romania’s case as far as the preferences regarding the the geometry of these flows is mostly oriented destination countries goes the undisputable towards Germany and Hungary, as a leader is Italy where more than 60.3% of the consequence of the departures that affected population that crosses the borders for economic purposes tarry in (fig. 6). The rather the two ethnic groups and it is also possible loose legislation from this country, more that an important part of the emigration flows pragmatic towards foreigners, the relative that targeted Austria to be made out of easiness in finding a job, but also the presence members of the German community in our of a series of common cultural elements (that country (fig. 5). The same ethnic resorts were facilitates and shortens the adaptation the ones that partially animated the period), all justify this decision of the majority departures towards Israel, as the Jews have of the population. gained more and more the status of a residual The second most important destination community in our country. – more recent and less consistent

HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 95 RADU DIMITRIU

(materialized after the year 2000) but highly legislation of the host country, the relatively active – is Spain that absorbs 17.0% of the easiness in obtaining a job, and a kindred volume of immigrants from Moldavia. Similar cultural environment – this doesn’t apply to to Italy there is a special preference for the the migratory flow heading towards Great capital city. Britain (3.9%) which is known as a country While in the case of the first two having a particular strictness concerning visas destinations there were a series of common and work permits granting. features – like for example the lenient

Data source: Field work data, R. Dimitriu (2009) Figure 6. The main destinations of the Moldavian emigrants (1990 – 2006)

Data source: Field work data, R. Dimitriu (2009) Figure 7. The geographical distribution of the Moldavian emigrants

96 HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 THE RECENT DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY

The second most important destination – countries are in great need of labour force that more recent and less consistent (materialized doesn’t necessarily requires higher after the year 2000) but highly active – is qualifications (especially in constructions and Spain that absorbs 17.0% of the volume of in geriatrics) and – on the other hand – the immigrants from Moldavia. Similar to Italy two destinations points are easiest to achieve there is a special preference for the capital city considering the existence of an important (fig. 7). Romanian community fact that facilitates the While in the case of the first two social and professional integration of the destinations there were a series of common newly arrived population. features – like for example the lenient In the case of the intellectual category legislation of the host country, the relatively the panoply of the destinations is totally easiness in obtaining a job, and a kindred different, emphasizing the state that practice cultural environment – this doesn’t apply to (in a larger or smaller scale) a certain selection the migratory flow heading towards Great of the immigrants – as in the case of the USA, Britain (3.9%) which is known as a country Canada, France or even Great Britain (fig. 9). having a particular strictness concerning visas An important series of data concerning and work permits granting. the structural segregation of the immigrants Also noticeable is the castling between can certainly be obtain by analysing the age the USA and Canada regarding the groups as well as the gender characteristics of attractiveness factor – bigger in the case of the the population involved in the process. first country for the Moldavian emigrants. According to a survey realized in 2002 Can we assert that the USA is actually a target requested by the Romanian Government the harder to achieve for the Moldavian profile of the average Romanian emigrant is emigrants? outlined by the following major lines: young, We cannot neglect the recently with ages between 35 and 35, having a medium activated destinations; some of them are education level and not having any means of pretty exotic. This category includes countries ensuring the necessary means for a decent like Japan (that attracts feminine labour force living (mainly he doesn’t have a house or which are active primarily in hotels and apartment). Of course this study is merely an restaurants), but also a series of African states average analysis, and doesn’t include factors (Madagascar, Nigeria, Sudan, Maghreb like the adventurous spirit (characteristic for countries) or Asian ones (India, Pakistan, younger persons) or the instances in which Thailand, Singapore) the usual target for high children or grandparents accompany their education specialists (doctors, professors, families (more and more frequently lately). engineers in oil exploitation and processing). Even if the above mentioned survey has The structural characteristics of the only an informative status, it offers the flows of emigrants also leave a mark on the possibility for establishing a starting point for destination points, due primarily to the fact an analytical overview, and we therefore that the demand of the labour market in consider that the segment of population aged various countries is in itself wide-ranging. between 20 and 40 years old are the most Thus, a very interesting correlation is likely to be inclined towards adopting such life represented by the one drawn between the strategies and so it should consist the focus of labour force demand specialized in one our analysis. domain or the other and the level of education From this fact alone two major of the emigrants (fig. 8 a b)5. categories stand out from the very beginning: Analysing the data from this point of the fact that the base of the pyramid is view one can easily conclude that the lower extremely fragile (which is not entirely the education level is the more obvious the surprising though) and moreover the fact that orientation towards the two main countries it is decapitated at its peak practically (Italy and Spain) becomes. This fact is not stopping around the ages 55-59 (according to surprising because – on one side – these two the biological and psycho-social evolution of

HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 97 RADU DIMITRIU

a)

b) Data source: Field work data, R. Dimitriu (2009) Figure 8. Main destination points of the Moldavian emigrants based on the level of education: a) intellectuals; b) other categories

Data source: Field work data, R. Dimitriu (2009) Figure 9. Age and gender structure of the Moldavian emigrants

98 HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 THE RECENT DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY the human being, which is less capable of mention the rural record set by Luizi– intense labour of major changes to their life Călugăra (where the Catholic population rhythms and habits after that age), even if as - registers 98.6%) where, at the level of the 2002 an exceptional fact – there are two additional population census the emigrant population levels (of 60-64 and 65-69 years old). represented 2.4% of the total (but surely once Furthermore, the male percentage is slightly again the official data is lower that the reality). higher than the female respectively 55.4% to Contrary to this, in the more isolated 44.6%. Roman-Catholic communities (and probably While the median part of the pyramid is less organized) situated on the east side of the more strongly developed towards the left side, Siret Valley the emigration phenomenon has a the overall percentages balance themselves lower degree of participation compared to the towards the age group 40-44, and for the next neighbouring communities where the four age groups (and in the same time the last Orthodox population represents a majority. ones), the female segment becomes more Very good relations with the West also predominant, naturally expressing the characterize the Neo Protestant communities professions that Romanian have in Western that that are capable in similar ways to act as part of Europe (at that age a male for example virtual catalysts of the emigration process9. is no longer eligible to work on a construction Once again the relationship between the site but a woman can be active in the confession and the emigration process is housekeeping business). extremely powerful and it comes to explain Still the international migration is a once again the above average incidence complex phenomenon that includes a wider registered in the northern part of Moldavia, in range of social aspects that would also include Rădăuţi Depression and around the town of the confessional features of the population. In Suceava (especially Pătrăuţi, where the Neo- the case of the international migration Protestants register the highest shares in all phenomenon, the main religion (Christian – Moldavia, of 40.9%). Orthodox) is not as important as the This fact of Neo-Protestantism being a secondary religions especially the ones that favourable factor as far as international are strongly rooted in Western Europe. migrations are concern is also visible in the In accordance with that, within the number of Romanian churches abroad. central-western Moldavian space, the Roman- According to the information offered by the Catholic group represents a compact one, Romanian Embassy in Spain out of the total 41 formed through the infiltrations of population Romanian churches established in this groups originated from the Transylvanian country, 17 are Neo-Protestant (meaning 41.5% space, during the last three centuries6. of them) – a clear overrepresentation Nowadays the Moldavian Catholics register especially if we were to consider the overall significant percentages (even up to 100%) in share of the adherents of this religious group the villages surrounding Roman and Bacău in our country (only 0.58% at the 2002 (and a secondary location around Oneşti), census). thus resulting an almost perfect overlapping The analysis of the age and gender with the area holding an immigration high structure of the emigrant Moldavian incidence degree that we determined in the population according to the main religious beginning of our analysis. It is obvious that groups (Orthodox, Roman-Catholic and Neo- this particular characteristic has allowed the Protestant) is both interesting and useful: (fig. apparition of this respective area, supported 10 – a b c). by the fact that within this area the emigration A series of clear cut conclusions stand towards Italy registers above average values7. out from this point of view: As a matter of fact, it was precisely the - The only pyramid having a more or Moldavian Roman-Catholics living around the less large base is the one representing roman- town of Bacǎu that acted as pioneers for the Catholics, feature justified by the above Moldavian emigration, as they were the ones average birth rate in the destination country, who founded the Romanian community but also by including the very young children existing nowadays in Torino8. We also in this type of movement.

HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 99 RADU DIMITRIU

a)

b)

c)

Data source: Field work data, R. Dimitriu (2009) Figure 10. Comparative analysis of the age and gender structure of the main religious groups of the Moldavian emigrants: a) Roman-Catholic; b) Orthodox; c) Neo Protestants

100 HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 THE RECENT DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY

- The characteristic of this type of young male work force) and in housekeeping pyramid is due to the (already proven) fact (especially in the case of women above 40 that the roman-catholic emigrants acted as years old). pioneers in Moldavia so that they already have It is obvious though that the variety of a financial stability stronger than their fellow professional occupation specific to the countrymen pertaining to other religions. Moldavian emigrants is much larger as shown Moreover it is probable that by emigrating by our enquiry (fig. 12). While the two major towards a similar confessional environment specializations do register the most important (such as Italy, Spain or Ireland), de degree of shares (31.4% in constructions and 23.4% in psychic and social security would be higher housekeeping), a very important share of the and thus the decisions of increasing the family population work in industrial sectors (12.5%). would become easier to take. Another reason In this situation however the professional to sustain this theory is the fact that the specializations that the immigrants earned Roman-Catholics have the lowest average age back home is kept, especially if we refer to of the young adults that are involved in the mechanical or chemical industry. In some emigration phenomenon. cases, the present international migration - The pyramid representing the phenomenon is nothing but a reactivation of orthodox emigrants is the most balanced on the flows that originated sometime before and the less masculine ne on e (as the males 1989 as part of the economic relations only register 53.4% of the total population). In established between the partner countries of the same time we not a higher that average the communist block. Such reactivations presence of women aged above 40, which explain the migration of the former worker of comes to demonstrate the fact that the the glass factory from Dorohoi towards Celje housekeeping and the geriatric sectors are in (Slovenia) or the departures of the former reality a field of work in which orthodox miners from around Călimăneşti towards predominate. The less powerful connection southern Poland. with the western world of the orthodox Even if they don’t hold an important emigration may be explained by the fact that percentage within the occupied population the departures for this category are done at a the restaurant and hotel activities tend to later moment in time, around the age of 30.3. become a new specialty for the feminine - The Neo Protestant pyramid is the most masculine one (64,3%), due to the fact emigration especially in Italy, Spain and Great that in this community the social roles of the Britain. two genders as well as the parent-children The health care sector is becoming more relationships are more rigorously defined. and more attractive for the Romanians both In any case, apart from the religious for medics as well as the sanitary personnel, affiliation the average age at departure of the the destinations in this case are extremely Moldavian emigrants is experiencing a slow diverse so that there couldn’t be emphasised a and constant decrease which is valid for both particular preference. The interesting fact is genders in order to reach the value of 28.4 that in the Moldavian hospitals the medics years for males and 29.5 years for males at the and nurses are replaces by qualified personnel 10 level of 2007 (fig. 11). From a dynamic point of from the Moldavian Republic . view, after a period of research and adaptation In this panoply of activities another which lengthen between 1990 and 1998 category of “other services” stand out (caused by the lack of experience on the part o extremely heterogeneous and includes such the emigrants but also by the activities as priests (Orthodox and Roman- uncompromising legislative system of the host Catholics) that serve in the Romanian countries), the Moldavian emigrants had to communities, lawyers, bankers, IT specialists specialized in their professions at their (and even less honourable occupations like destinations, in constructions (which required beggars and prostitutes).

HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 101 RADU DIMITRIU

33 32 31 30 29 28 27 F ani 26 M 25 24 23 22 21 20 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Data source: Field work data, R. Dimitriu (2009) Figure 11. The gender dynamics of the average age at departure

Data source: Field work data, R. Dimitriu (2009) Figure 12. Domains in which the Moldavian emigrants activate in the host counties

Conclusions different routes and most often different functional explanations that shatter any trace The qualitative-quantitative analysis of the of synonymy. In this maze, the en-gross present international migration phenomenon categorization is forbidden, and the usage of is difficult, complex and almost impossible to general logical schemes can be done up to a categorize. The structural demographical certain level, after which the “interferences” differences (ethnic and confessional affiliation, are perturbing the analectic analysis more professional and economic), even if minor, than they should. when they are reflected by the mentality and Up to this point at a national level, the local customs they become major in different 2002 population census and the Romanian proportions so that by combining the same Statistical Yearbooks allow us to find out (but elements sometimes the results are different. only in a small relative degree) from where In other cases, the similitude of the biome ones leaves and where one arrives. But these cause-effect is only a facade feature, and the two milestones are not sufficient for us to road covered between the two points has understand the complexity of the

102 HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 THE RECENT DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY phenomenon; and between the two there is 7 still a lot of facts and motivation that remain In this case the relations with the Vatican (and opaque. Only by controlled surveys we will be thus with Italy) formed more quickly especially able to find out more answers to more through the Caritas branches, that function in the main cities of the country or through the catholic questions (how does one leave? or who and foundations which are active even in the rural when ones leave?). areas. Thus, the main impediment that must 8 According to the surveys that were realised the be overthrown in such an analytic analysis emigration waves that started from Iaşi County consists in pulverizing an immense connected in a first phase with this already informational hiatus – a discouraging action functional one formed by the inhabitants of Bacău that calls for important efforts and huge time County. 9 resources. And even if all these obstacles are Neo-Protestantism registered at the last census 2.24% adherents out of the total population. removed, another unwanted perspective raises 10 in front of the researcher: the impossibility of The same phenomenon of replacement happened in the main Moldavian theatres (Iaşi, Piatra Neamţ, comparing the results due to the lack of other Botoşani etc.), who`s actors choose to leave the similar studies, of this rather common reality country in higher numbers. but so unknown. Let`s just hope that this is only a temporary feature. Emigration and its consequences must be analysed in a very realistic manner Bibliography precisely because it is a process that reverberates – in different ways and degrees – Borruso, G, Schoier, G 2006, Metodi di analisi e visualizzazione di fenomeni immigrator, in upon all the human-geographical aspects. The Geotema, no. 23, Bologna. way in which this opportunity (resource) will Călin, R, Umbreş, R G 2006, Efectele migraţiei – be managed is hard to anticipate for now, but studiu la nivelul comunităţii Vulturu, Vrancea, it will definitely have an important role to play Ed. Lumen, Iaşi. – hopefully a positive one – in the evolution of Commission Européenne, 2000, Une politique en the Romanian people and implicitly the matière d'immigration, Bruxelles. Moldavian ones. Constantinescu, M 2002, Teorii ale migraţiei internaţionale, in 'Sociologie românească', nr. 1- 4, Bucharest. NOTES Cristaldi, F 2006, Roma città plurale: dal diritto alla casa alla segregazione spaziale degli immigranti, 1 The population census from 2002 shows that in in 'Geotema', nr. 23, Bologna. Moldavia there are 130 462 emigrants for a total Diminescu, D 2001, L'installation dans la mobilité: population of 4 687 710 inhabitants, which would les savoir-faire migratoires des Roumains, in translate into only 2.8% share of the population. 'Migration Société', Paris. 2 The respective sample was drawn from 33 cities Diminescu, D (coord.) 2003, Visible mais peu and 103 Moldavian villages. nombreux – les circulations migratoires 3 The data supplied by this source refers to the roumaine, Éditions de la Maison des sciences de permanent migrations no matter their purpose l'homme, Paris. definitive. Dimitriu, R 2006, Destinazione Italia. Studio 4 It is interested to observe that Moldavia in the sull’emigrazione della populazione della years 1996 and has a few special features, while in depressione del Neamţ (Romania), in 'Geotema', the first year there is a decrease of the emigration nr. 23, Bologna. followed by an immediate increase, in the second Dimitriu, R 2007, Factori explicativi privind year an increase followed by a decrease takes place. diferenţierile spaţiale ale emigraţiei 5 According to the survey made 9.7% of the internaţionale din Moldova (România) in 'Verso Moldavian emigrants have superior studies and uno spazio multiculturale? Riflessioni 79.6% posses a medium education (high school or geografiche sull'esperienza migratoria in Italia', a professional school). Patron Editore, Bologna. 6 At the 2002 Population Census the Roman- Dimitriu, R 2009, Go west. The migrations of the Catholics represented 5.20% out of the total population from Iaşi township (Romania) on Moldavian population. 'Dove finisce il mare', Ed. Cuec, Cagliari.

HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104 103 RADU DIMITRIU

Dimitriu, R I, Ungureanu, Al 2007, Anul viitor, Rey, V, Groza, O, Muntele, I 1998, Migrations and acasă. Studiu asupra migraţiilor economice the main protagonists of transition: A stake in internaţionale ale populaţiei din Depresiunea the development of Romania, in 'Südosteuropa- Neamţului, Ed. Universităţii “Al. I. Cuza”, Iaşi. Studien', 62, München. Rusu, V 2003, Migraţia forţei de muncă în Europa, Dimitriu, R I, Ungureanu, Al 2007, Populaţia din Ed. Arvin Press, Bucureşti. Depresiunea Neamţului în circuitele migratorii Sandu, D 1999, Spaţiul social al tranziţiei, Ed. internaţionale postcomuniste, in 'Revista de Polirom, Iaşi. Politica Ştiinţei şi Scientometrie', Bucureşti. Sandu, D 2000, Migraţia ca strategie de viaţă, in Gentileschi, M L 2005, The immigration model of 'Sociologie românească', no.2, Bucureşti. Sardinia, an island and a border region, in Sandu, D 2000, 'Migraţia transnaţională a 'Belgeo', nr. 1-2, Bruxelles. românilor din perspectiva unui recensământ Ianoş, I 1998, The influence of economic and comunitar', in Sociologie românească, no.3-4, regional policies on migration in Romania, in Bucureşti. Singly, F de et all 1998, Ancheta si metodelel ei: 'Südosteuropa-Studien', 62, München. chestionarul, interviul de producere a datelor, INSSE 2002, Recensământul populaţiei şi interviul comprehensiv, Ed. Polirom, Iaşi. locuinţelor din 10 ianuarie 2002, 2002, Bucureşti Ungureanu, Al, Dimitriu, R 2005, 'International IOM 1993, Profile and Motives of Potential Migrants Emigration Networks of the Neamţ Depression in Romania. A Follow-up Study, Bucureşti. Population - Quantitative and Qualitative Muntele, I 2003, Migrations internationales dans la Assessments', in Revista Română de Geopolitică, Roumanie moderne et contemporaine, in 'Visible Oradea. mais peu nombreux – les circulations Weber, S 2003, 'Entre circulation et stabilisation: migratoires roumaines', Editions de la Maison migrants est-européens dans une metropole mediterranéenne. Polonais, Roumains et des sciences de l'homme, Dijon. Ukrainiens dans le Latium romain', in Visible Potot, S 2000, Etudes des deux réseaux migratoires mais peu nombreux – les circulations roumaines, in 'Sociologie românească', no.2, migratoires roumaines, Editions de la Maison Bucureşti. des sciences de l'homme, Dijon.

104 HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES – Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, (2010) 4.1, 89-104