Typology and Causes of Iranian Immigrants’ Economic Interactions with Iran in Germany

Nowadays, experts challenge the negative attitude toward immigration and take a more positive stance towards it. In their opinion, migration can bring benefits to both countries of origin and destination. One of the advantages mentioned is their economic interactions with the country of origin, leading to economic and cultural development in the country of origin. Regarding the lack of comprehensive research in this field, the present study aims at identifying the types of economic interactions of immigrants residing in Germany with Iran and their reasons for it.

The statistical population of the present study includes all legal immigrants aged above 18 residing in Germany with more than 2 years of residence in this country. Since there was no prior framework for investigating this issue, a qualitative method and a semi-structured interview were used. Based on theoretical sampling, 30 immigrants were interviewed.

The findings of the present study indicate that transferring goods and funds from Germany falls into five main categories, namely, sending gifts, investments, charitable actions, sending rare goods and purchasing incorporated services,

This five main categories are subject to cultural integration, economic integration, attitude to Iran and Germany and the number of years Immigrants reside in Germany.