Rising interest in the area of ‘transnationalism and integration’ has resulted in an increase in research studies in recent years. Most of these studies find that migrant/diaspora involvement in their home countries is not a threat to their integration in host countries. Rather transnationalism and integration can comfortably coexist. Further, some studies have found that transnationalism and integration often go hand-in-hand, and that the former can have a positive impact on the latter. In addition, economic remittances to home countries have resulted in financial integration in host societies as the need to transfer money compels senders to open bank accounts and learn about financial services in their host countries. Other studies have highlighted how transnational activities, such as earning extra income through transnational ventures, and feeling connected to family and friends in their home countries, can help poorer are more ‘socially excluded’ migrants and diaspora communities cope with living in their host country. Recent studies have also emphasised the importance of examining not just the willingness but also the ability of migrants and diaspora communities to integrate. Hence, problems of social exclusion must also be addressed by host countries.
