Great expectations and reality checks: the role of information in mediating migrants' experience of return

Using qualitative data from Ghana, this article explores the role of information in the formation of expectations of migrants and their families back home, with specific reference to the return experience. We develop a typology to illustrate (1) how information influences expectations throughout the migration experience; (2) the ability of the migrant and their family to adapt to those changing expectations, given differing levels of information; and (3) the implications (1) and (2) have for return. Latent tensions and conflicts emerge in which expectations of migrants and migrant families are not harmonious. The evidence shows that the pace of adaptation and change is regulated by access to information; information flow between migrant at destination and home; and the propensity of the migrant to adapt, which is related to the level of financial dependency (or strength of obligation) between migrant and home. The article raises policy questions around information access and information flows, community sensitisation and returnee reintegration, especially in poorer areas.