An investigation of highly skilled Bangladeshi migration in the UK: a micro study of Edinburgh and London.

Migration is a spatial phenomenon and is the movement of the people one of state/country administrative unit to another, alone or together with others, for a short visit or a long period of time, for the purpose of permanent and temporary residence or employment. This research focuses on highly skilled and professional immigrants to the UK from Bangladesh. Britain and Bangladesh have a historical relationship; the connection goes back over 400 years, right to the beginnings of British involvement in India. Today at least 350,000 Bengalis live in Britain and most originate from Bangladesh. The migrants’ especially skilled and professional migrants maintain connection to Bangladesh and by sending remittances and knowledge try to improve the situation of Bangladesh. The purpose of this research is to find out more about the views of highly skilled Bangladeshi migrants in the UK. To obtain data a series of interviews were conducted, 19 in England / London and 22 in Scotland / Edinburgh. These interviews were in two parts, one structured and one an unstructured discussion. The first analysed by conventional statistical methods. The second used a qualitative approach using thematic analysis, with the aid of NVIVO9. There are four purposes of the investigation. Firstly to understand motivations for migrating, secondly to assess the degree to which expectations were met, thirdly to understand connections with “home”, especially how support is given to families and communities in Bangladesh, fourthly to assess the level of integration in to UK society and finally to understand the story of their migration. Living in UK, expatriates directly and indirectly help those in Bangladesh by often providing–financial, technical political and cultural support. Professional and skilled migrants play a role as an ambassador for their country. Using both methods qualitative and quantitative approaches the results show very little difference between the sample areas. Most of the expatriates were found to be in better position after the migration, having achieved their dreams and they are happy and frequently communicate the home country. Part of the saving money send for the family member and some time invest in the large amount for the long run. They think, if living in the home country were not do like that all aspects and most of them are living UK with full satisfactions. The findings from this research will inform policy makers both in the UK attempting to control migration and in Bangladesh who promote the emigration of highly skilled migrants in order to obtain remittances to Bangladesh