Dissertation, Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, 2024

Background: The migration phenomenon is a reality among the Kosovo population. The number of Kosovo people who have migrated around the world, mostly to Europe, is highly variable and concerning. Given these circumstances, the purpose of this research paper is to examine the challenges and resources faced by Kosovo migrants and returnees, as well as their Sense of Coherence (SOC), which refers to the extent to which they view their life experiences as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful.
Methodology: Thematic analysis and grounded theory within thematic analyses were employed to analyze 43 semi-structured interviews, consisting of 18 female and 25 male participants. The sample included 5 German experts (mean age = 47) with experience in integrating Kosovo migrants, 14 Kosovo migrants in Germany (mean age = 37.64) who resided in the Bamberg refugee camp, 8 Kosovo experts (mean age = 39.37) with experience in reintegrating Kosovo returnees, and 16 Kosovo returnees (who returned to Kosovo) (mean age = 40.93).
Results: Findings of the study suggest that Kosovo migrants and returnees perceive their lives as incomprehensible, unmanageable, and lacking meaning, which is reflected in their low level of SOC. They face daily life challenges related to family, social, personal, institutional, and health issues that are difficult to comprehend, manage, and find meaning in. The participants highlighted that having family members and relatives already settled in Germany was helpful for their integration. The study identified several important factors associated with higher levels of SOC, including support from family, and financially stable of the family members, language proficiency, high levels of education, vocational training, knowledge of the host country's culture and work practices, a sense of spiritual support, institutional support for their problems, well-defined migration and return plans, and identity adjustment capability. These variables have the potential to make the lives of migrants and returnees more comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful, which can lead to higher levels of SOC.
Conclusions: The Salutogenesis theory is a crucial tool in helping returnees and migrants to perceive their lives as comprehensive, manageable, and meaningful, as well as in supporting their integration and reintegration. Moreover, raising the level of SOC is important for the well-being of migrants and returnees, thereby facilitating factors for smoother integration and reintegration including family support, financial assistance, institutional backing, advanced education and training, familiarity with the host country's culture, society, and language, well-thought-out plans, adaptability of identity adaptation, spiritual and religious activities, well-educated and tannings. By increasing their comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness, it is possible to facilitate a smoother transition for migrants and returnees, ultimately leading to successful integration and reintegration.