Consultancy: Qualitative Research on Afghan Diasporas

Qualitative Research: Afghan Diaspora’s perceptions of their role and connections to the current migration flow from Afghanistan to Europe

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a consultant to produce a high-quality research paper focused on the Afghan Diaspora’s perceptions of their role and connections to the current migration flow from Afghanistan to Europe. If you are interested in matters relating to diaspora and migration, and if you are a skilled researcher capable of conducting qualitative research, you may be the person we are looking for.

Background and context

Afghans engage in migration due to a multiplicity of factors such as the continued and worsening security situation in Afghanistan, lack of rights, high unemployment and environmental hazards. The largest movements of Afghans are within the region, primarily to Iran and Pakistan. However, Afghans also continue to make their way towards Europe via the migration corridors of Pakistan and Iran, facilitated by smugglers.

Extensive research on the protection risks faced by migrants (Including the Mixed Migration Center Asia) clearly document that such risks include physical and sexual abuse, kidnapping, crime and death for all involved, in particular for the more vulnerable segments of the migrants – including women, youth, and children. Migrants and refugees report trauma and ongoing psychological and physical distress resulting from their experiences.

Despite the many that have gone before them, Afghans engaging in or considering engaging in irregular migration often do not have a realistic and credible picture of the journey and the situation upon arrival. Research published by MMC’s 4Mi in September 2018, shows that 31% of the Afghans interviewed did not feel they were aware of the risks of migration prior to the journey. 12% felt the journey was worse than expected. [1] They are often not sufficiently informed about the protection risks en route, their rights and ways to access services, and the asylum procedures upon arrival. Furthermore, there is a difference in the level of knowledge between Afghan male and female migrants, with males more likely to be aware of potential dangers. Younger males who had been returned from Europe appeared more determined to re-attempt migration in the future – 70% of young men said they would migrate again despite the fact they would face many protection risks. The young men report a strong desire to re-migrate due to high level of debts incurred (up to USD 18,000) and socio-cultural pressures that shame unsuccessful migrants. Others, especially those travelling with families or females, appeared deterred by the possibility of violent experiences along the way. 

The drivers and experiences of migration are not consistent for the multiplicity of migrant profiles. These differences highlight the importance of tailoring protection related interventions and messages to the situation of specific segments of communities. Despite a clear need for accurate information, there is little evidence that traditional information campaigns managed by international agencies are particularly helpful in targeting refugees and migrants and changing behaviours. On the contrary, research has shown that people on the move in mixed migration flows place trust in information passed on by their networks abroad in regard to information about irregular migration journeys and protection risks.

Migration plans are often, and perhaps understandably, modelled after the successful journeys of peers already in Europe, and the diaspora continues to be a trusted source of information on the journey. The role of community, especially the Afghan diaspora, has shown to be important determinant in migration behaviour. MMC’s research shows that 40% of the Afghans interviewed used friends and family in country of destination as their first source of information about migration, including information about routes, destination, costs and risks.[2] Many Afghans in Europe report frequently receiving calls from migrants prior to departure or en route requesting information and other forms of support. Focus group discussions with representatives from the Afghan diaspora in Denmark confirm that Afghans in Europe are frequently approached for information by potential migrants while still in Afghanistan (or a neighbouring country) or while the migrants are on the way. Migrants ask for information on the route or the situation in potential countries of destination – including asylum procedures, work opportunities, potential support; or they call when they have ended up in difficult or dangerous situations where smugglers demand more money, where they have been detained and see no way out, or otherwise confronted with dangerous or threatening situations.

Furthermore, research looking at the Afghan and Somali diaspora finds that the diaspora consider themselves as having a role in preventing abuses en route, informing about (the risks of) irregular migration and improving the protection environment for migrants and refugees. [3] However, from the focus group discussions it was clear that information was often requested from members of the Afghan diaspora where they did not know the correct answers or they subsequently found that they had delivered wrong information that might have put the migrant or refugee at further risk. The research recommends that (i) Diasporas could interact directly with home communities, or through an intermediary in the form of an NGO or of local community facilitators; (ii) Diasporas could also be offered trainings and seminars in relevant rules and procedures, enabling them to pass on accurate and relevant information on destination country asylum systems, reception mechanisms, etc.

Many migrants seek out new contacts with compatriots based in Europe via social media channels. Migrants rely on a wide information and communication network comprising social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram) as well as mobile phone communication. Even during movement, migrants have access to telephones, though sometimes intermittently; given that there is strong evidence that when migrants are robbed (by smugglers, bandits, other migrants and in some cases state officials) their phones are among the first items to be taken. Respondents indicated that maintaining communication was high on the priority list of migrants, and that they are willing to purchase or borrow phone access. Increasingly expanding mobile phone networks and coverage provides migrants with the infrastructure required to maintain links with communities at home, smugglers, diasporas and other migrants on the move. [4]

With financial support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DRC will support members of the Afghan diaspora in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands to engage with migrants and refugees in a way that reduces protection risks. The initiative will be implemented over 36 months from June 2019 until June 2022.

Purpose

The purpose of the consultancy is to produce a high-quality research paper focused on the Afghan Diaspora’s perceptions of their role and connections to the current migration flow from Afghanistan to Europe. The aim of this study is to understand the views of selected Afghan diasporas in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands on irregular migration, including an exploration of diasporas’ own role and connections with a focus on information sharing in particular in relation to protection assistance to displacement affected persons in country of origin and on the move. The research will document good practices in relation to diaspora protection information management, and map existing Afghan information sources, channels (including ICT), and how the information ranks with regard to credibility, importance, and usage. The research will build on in-depth qualitative data through desk review and focus group discussions with Afghan diaspora groups.

The series of focus group discussions (FGDs) in the three countries (Denmark, NL, Germany) with app. 20-40 Afghan respondents per country.

Geographical Area and Target Group: The study will collect primary data in the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, among Afghan diasporas who are in contact with migrants from Afghanistan. 

The primary data collection through focus group discussions is combined with a literature review and desk research (mapping of active Afghan platforms providing information to Afghan migrants).

The report is expected to suggest and discuss programmatic recommendations as to how to engage with and assist the Afghan diaspora to provide relevant and factual information to contribute to an improved overall protection environment for people on the move from Afghanistan.

Planning and IMPLEMENTATION

The research shall be completed in consultation with DRC Diaspora Programme and Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) Europe.

Desk Research:

The consultant will carry out a substantial desk research to establish already existing information about the experiences of Afghan diaspora in relation to migration from Afghanistan to Europe. The review is anticipated to include, at a minimum a review of reports issued by relevant UN agencies and NGOs as well as relevant academic papers. The desk research will also include a mapping of active Afghan platforms providing information to Afghan migrants.

Methodology & Tools:

The consultant will lead the development of the methodology for qualitative data collection and design of tools to conduct focus group discussions with Afghan diaspora groups. The FGDs shall, as a minimum, include the following themes: role(s), connections, information sharing, and potential support.

Focus Group Discussions:

DRC will support the research consultant for the planning and implementation of the FGDs; It is expected that the consultant team will have the needed language, technical skills, and access to the geographical areas. A DRC project officer that speaks Farsi/Dari will be responsible for identifying and recruiting diaspora participants and will assist the research consultant during the FGDs. The research consultant will be responsible for ensuring the quality of the FGDs and the data collected.

Scope of the FGDs:  Approximately 90 participants from Afghan diasporas in Germany (40), The Netherlands (30), Denmark (20).

Analysis & Report Writing

The consultant will be responsible for analysing the data and writing up the draft research paper including recommendations for programming. DRC Diaspora Programme and MMC Europe will support this process and review draft sections as they are prepared.

In drafting the report, the consultant will adhere to the MMC editorial guidelines for written products and presentations, which will be provided as part of the contract.

Time frame of the assignment

The research is expected to run from 12 August 2019 to 1^st December 2019.

App. 30-35 consultancy days over app. 16 weeks.

Minimum technical requirement of consultant:

Some of the desired qualifications are as followed:

• Technical knowledge on Diaspora and/or Mixed Migration
• Research background in diaspora/forced displacement/migration/community engagement/protection
• Relevant academic background (Masters level)
• Significant experience in FGDs and qualitative research methods
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) in English (Dari and/or Pashto would be a strong advantage)
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication and reporting skills.
• Previous experience in conducting similar evaluations/research for international donors would be an advantage.
• Track record of written publications on migration or diaspora

Submission of Bid

Please use the documents available here: https://drc.ngo/relief-work/procurement-in-drc 

The bid can be delivered directly to the tender box, mailed or delivered by courier services, or alternatively sent by email to the following dedicated, secure & controlled email address: tender@drc.ngo. 

 (Applications submitted through the DRC website will NOT be considered.)

THE RFQ BID FORM CANNOT BE EMAILED TO ANY OTHER DRC EMAIL ADDRESS