Remigration, a policy advocating for the return of migrants to their home countries, has become an escalating point of discussion in European politics, particularly with figures like Martin Sellner and political parties such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) leading this controversial charge. Sellner’s book, “Remigration: A Proposal” (2024), lays out strategies aimed at reversing what he terms “replacement migration,” an ongoing trend he sees as jeopardizing ethnocultural cohesion in Europe. The Bavarian AfD’s November 2024 resolution calling for the return of migrants, especially those deemed poorly integrated, has drawn significant scrutiny and criticism. Critics contend that these policies are discriminatory and undermine social unity, while proponents, including Sellner, argue that remigration is necessary to prevent social discord and preserve national identity amidst shifting demographics.
To successfully implement remigration without inciting social instability or facing international backlash, Sellner advocates for a sequenced approach that emphasizes voluntariness on the part of migrants. He calls for the creation of incentives that encourage migration away from Europe while dismantling those factors that promote unsustainable immigration. Key methods involve collaborating with other nations reconsidering their migration policies, such as England and Canada, to form a unified stance against mass migration. Addressing economic concerns associated with reducing migrant populations, especially in aging societies dependent on migrant labor, Sellner argues that non-European immigration typically imposes more costs on social systems than benefits and that the long-term solution rests in supporting domestic labor markets and family policies rather than an influx of foreign workers.
Historically, remigration has roots, evident in significant population movements like the Greece-Turkey population exchange post-World War I, which managed to avert civil conflict despite the challenges it posed. Other instances, such as Operation Wetback in the United States and the repatriation of Afghans from Pakistan, demonstrate that migration is not a one-directional flow but includes cycles of return as well. These historical precedents underpin Sellner’s belief that remigration is essential for addressing demographic challenges today, by fostering open and honest discussions about the implications of large-scale migration movements and how they can be strategically reversed.
For remigration to find mainstream acceptance, Sellner emphasizes its tangible benefits, including improved safety, affordability of housing, and better management of taxpayer resources. He posits that failed integration leading to social welfare burdens is a significant issue and argues that providing development assistance to migrants’ home countries is more beneficial than mass migration, which can exacerbate local poverty. Highlighting these issues, he believes, could shift public perception of remigration as not merely a reactive policy but a constructive approach to long-term societal challenges.
The Bavarian AfD’s endorsement of remigration marks a significant shift in political rhetoric and can potentially spur other factions within the party to adopt similar stances. However, Sellner expresses concern about the party’s future direction and the risk of deviating from core ideological principles in pursuit of immediate political gains. The recent electoral successes of parties emphasizing remigration-focused policies reflect a shifting political landscape, and Sellner insists that authenticity and clarity are essential for right-wing parties to maintain their unique identities amid growing competition.
Examining the implications of remigration further, Sellner articulates a framework that could evolve over decades. Initial phases of repatriation would focus on eliminating illegal migration pathways and ensuring that migrants with insufficient justification to remain are supported back to their countries of origin. Over the long term, he envisions reforms in citizenship laws to ensure only fully assimilated individuals acquire residency, with stricter regulations on renewing permits for those who pose cultural or economic risks. Over fifty years, this approach would aim to diminish parallel societies by encouraging voluntary return and promoting assimilation, all aimed at upholding national identity and ethnocultural cohesion, framing remigration fundamentally as a self-defense mechanism for preserving shared values and cultural integrity in Europe.