Paper short abstract:

The paper provides an anthropological perception of migration and the relationship between state and society. It emphasises the everyday construction of associations 'from below and on the move' between Albania and Greece.

Paper long abstract:

It is well known that dramatic changes in former-socialist countries have transformed Greece into a migratory destination since 1990. Given its relatively new status as a country of immigration, Greece has not experienced the development of historical, social and political circumstances that have wrought the shift from official multiculturalism into more xenophobic policies as witnessed in some Northern European countries. Nevertheless, Greek authorities are currently being influenced by this European 'crisis of multiculturalism'. Consequently, Greek state regulations concerning in-migration are very problematic. It seems that the Greek state 'surrounded by non-EU-member countries' theoretically is applying the latter dogma of 'Europe Fortress'.

Albanian passport holders represent the largest migratory group in Greece, probably comprising almost 5-6% of the population. Today they construct exceptionally 'thick' transnational networks. People return many times per year, they send and carry objects, and they keep in touch with their relatives in Albania through daily telephone calls. They even build houses there, though these are hardly ever inhabited. In the Albanian migrants' practices, Greek state policies towards 'otherness' have a basic role in explaining transnational activities.

This paper provides an anthropological perception of migration and the relationship between state and society, within a new destination country. Analyzing the complex and dynamic relations between migration policies and transnational bonds. It emphasizes the everyday construction of associations 'from below and on the move' between Albania and Greece.