At the recent Resisting Authoritarianism in Eurasia: Civil Society and New Solidarities conference, organized by the Aleksanteri Institute at the University of Helsinki and held from October 23–25, 2024, Dr. Sherzod Eraliev presented critical insights within the panel “Transnational Dynamics in Eastern Europe: Immigration, Identity and Diaspora.” His presentation, titled "Post-Soviet Immigration and Changing Migration Policies in Finland," highlighted the complex trajectories of post-Soviet migrants adapting within a rapidly evolving Finnish policy landscape.
Dr. Eraliev, a researcher affiliated with the Aleksanteri Institute at the University of Helsinki and Lund University, unpacked the intricate interplay between Finnish migration policies and the lived experiences of post-Soviet migrants. His analysis revealed the shifting Finnish approach toward migration, marked by an emphasis on labor market integration, social stability, and selective migration based on socio-economic needs. This shift has fostered unique adaptation strategies among migrants who face heightened expectations of integration and economic contribution.
Dr. Eraliev contextualized his findings within broader post-Soviet migratory trends, emphasizing how these policies impact migrants’ identities, community-building, and transnational ties. He underscored the emotional, social, and political implications, including the ways in which migrants navigate dual pressures of Finnish societal integration and connections to home-country politics.
For the Multinational Migrants project, Dr. Eraliev’s work offers valuable insights into the Nordic-Baltic context, shedding light on the adaptation pathways of post-Soviet migrants as they balance integration within Finnish society while maintaining transnational ties. His findings also prompt discussions on the broader implications of such policies for migrant communities across the region, particularly as migration management becomes increasingly central to state policies.
By examining these dynamics, Dr. Eraliev’s research contributes to a nuanced understanding of migrant resilience and adaptation strategies under evolving policy frameworks, reinforcing the importance of supportive and inclusive approaches to migration in the Nordic-Baltic region.