OIM - Mapping the Montenegrin Diaspora in the United States de 2025

MAPPING THE MONTENEGRIN DIASPORA IN THE UNITED STATESThe opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the publication do not imply expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. _____________________________ This publication was made possible through the support provided by the IOM Development Fund, under the terms of the Diaspora Engagement for Sustainable Development of Montenegro (Phase II) Diaspora Mapping Inception Report project. This report was drafted with support from Kondan & Symss Consultancy Inc.

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PUB2025/003/ELMAPPING THE

MONTENEGRIN DIASPORA

IN THE UNITED STATESiii

MAPPING THE MONTENEGRIN DIASPORA IN THE UNITED STATES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IOM Montenegro extends its gratitude to the Montenegrin diaspora members whose generosity in sharing their experiences and insights significantly enriched this report. The support of all those who provided invaluable guidance throughout the project planning and data collection phases is sincerely appreciated. Special recognition is extended to the project management team, Ms Tijana Simic and Ms Andela Dulovic, of IOM Montenegro, as well as the representatives from the Government of Montenegro for their inputs and support to this initiative. Furthermore, the leaders of diaspora organizations in the United States played a crucial role in disseminating the mapping survey and provided inputs to the report. Their support is deeply appreciated. The success of the mapping exercise is also attributed to the technical assistants, including Ms Amina Omeragic, whose pivotal role in promoting the survey and facilitating in-depth discussions with the diaspora community was indispensable. Sincere appreciation goes out to each individual and organization that contributed to this project, making it a comprehensive and successful endeavour.iv MAPPING THE MONTENEGRIN DIASPORA IN THE UNITED STATES CONTENTS Acknowledgements................................................................................................................................................................. iii List of tables and figures......................................................................................................................................................... v

1. Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................1

1.1. Background and context.......................................................................................................................................2

1.2. Purpose and scope of the study........................................................................................................................5

2. Research methodology..............................................................................................................................................6

2.1. Methods of data collection..................................................................................................................................6

1. Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................1

1.1. Background and context.......................................................................................................................................2

1.2. Purpose and scope of the study........................................................................................................................5

2. Research methodology..............................................................................................................................................6

2.1. Methods of data collection..................................................................................................................................6

2.2. Sampling........................................................................................................................................................................8

2.3. Data analysis...............................................................................................................................................................8

2.4. Challenges and limitations....................................................................................................................................8

2.5. Data privacy and confidentiality.........................................................................................................................9

3. Desk review...................................................................................................................................................................10

3.1. The Montenegrin diaspora community.......................................................................................................10

3.2. Remittance inflows...............................................................................................................................................14

3.3. Institutional and policy frameworks for diaspora engagement..........................................................16

4. Analysis of findings....................................................................................................................................................19

4.1. Demographic information ................................................................................................................................19

4.2. Migration experience...........................................................................................................................................26

4.3. Financial contributions.........................................................................................................................................31

4.4. Philanthropic and socioeconomic development......................................................................................34

4.5. Business and investment.....................................................................................................................................38

4.6. Diaspora community engagement and diaspora initiatives.................................................................43

4.7. Information channels and communication preferences........................................................................47

4.8. Focus group insights from government and non-governmental stakeholders............................48

5. Key findings....................................................................................................................................................................57

5.1. Key findings for section 1: Demographic information...........................................................................57

5.2. Key findings for section 2: Migration experience.....................................................................................59

5.3. Key findings for section 3: Financial contributions..................................................................................61

5.4. Key findings for section 4: Philanthropic and socioeconomic development................................62

5.5. Key findings for section 5: Business and investment..............................................................................63

5.6. Key findings for section 6: Diaspora community engagement and diaspora initiatives...........64

5.7. Key findings for section 7: Information channels and communication preferences.................68

5.5. Key findings for section 5: Business and investment..............................................................................63

5.6. Key findings for section 6: Diaspora community engagement and diaspora initiatives...........64

5.7. Key findings for section 7: Information channels and communication preferences.................68

6. Recommendations.....................................................................................................................................................69v

MAPPING THE MONTENEGRIN DIASPORA IN THE UNITED STATES

LIST OF TEXT BOXES, TABLES AND FIGURES Text box 1. Terminology..............................................................................................................................................1

Table 1. Migration balance in intercensal periods in Montenegro, 1948–2003..........................11 Table 2. Components of the population movement of Montenegro by intercensal

periods, 1948–2003............................................................................................................................11 Table 3. Top 10 destinations for Montenegrin emigrants based on 2019 United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs international migrant stock...................12 Table 4. Distribution of survey respondents across municipalities or states of residence....21 Table 5. Breakdown of survey respondents by language spoken at home...................................22 Table 6. Breakdown of survey respondents across the top 10 fields of study...........................23 Table 7. Breakdown of survey respondents by occupation/job sector..........................................24 Table 8. Individual annual income range among survey respondents..............................................25 Table 9. Breakdown of survey respondents by municipality/region of birth................................27 Table 10. Factors influencing immigration to the United States..........................................................28 Table 11. Factors influencing survey respondents’ decision to return to Montenegro.............30 Table 12. Survey respondents’ perception of conditions needed to financially contribute to Montenegro......................................................................................................................................40 Table 13. Factors negating expansion of diaspora-owned businesses to Montenegro..............41 Table 14. Survey respondents’ participation in diaspora groups, organizations, events, programmes and/or services abroad............................................................................43 Table 15. Survey respondents’ preferences for government-led support for diaspora.............46 vi

Table 13. Factors negating expansion of diaspora-owned businesses to Montenegro..............41 Table 14. Survey respondents’ participation in diaspora groups, organizations, events, programmes and/or services abroad............................................................................43 Table 15. Survey respondents’ preferences for government-led support for diaspora.............46 vi MAPPING THE MONTENEGRIN DIASPORA IN THE UNITED STATES Figure 1. Annual rate of population by natural increase and crude net migration rate (per 1,000)...............................................................................................................................................12 Figure 2. Personal remittances received in Montenegro (percentage of GDP)...........................15 Figure 3. Personal remittances received in Montenegro........................................................................15 Figure 4. Breakdown of survey respondents by age range....................................................................19 Figure 5. Breakdown of survey respondents by self-selected nationality........................................20 Figure 6. Breakdown of survey respondents by citizenship or residence status.........................21 Figure 7. Breakdown of survey respondents by length of stay in the United States.................22 Figure 8. Breakdown of survey respondents by educational attainment........................................23 Figure 9. Survey respondents’ interest in return and resettlement in Montenegro...................29 Figure 10. Indication of financial contributions to Montenegro made by respondents over the past 12 months...................................................................................................................31 Figure 11. Recipients of money or goods sent to Montenegro by respondents............................32 Figure 12. Percentage of annual income sent to Montenegro by respondents..............................32 Figure 13. Use of money or goods sent by respondents.........................................................................33 Figure 14. Survey respondents’ experience supporting humanitarian or socioeconomic projects in Montenegro.....................................................................................................................35 Figure 15. Survey respondents’ humanitarian or socioeconomic development areas of interest....................................................................................................................................36 Figure 16. Survey respondents’ interests in programmes or initiatives by type.............................37 Figure 17. Survey respondents’ interest in State-provided support services for entrepreneurs................................................................................................................................42 Figure 18. Survey respondents’ preferred method(s) of communication with government institutions.....................................................................................................................481

MAPPING THE MONTENEGRIN DIASPORA IN THE UNITED STATES

Figure 17. Survey respondents’ interest in State-provided support services for entrepreneurs................................................................................................................................42 Figure 18. Survey respondents’ preferred method(s) of communication with government institutions.....................................................................................................................481

MAPPING THE MONTENEGRIN DIASPORA IN THE UNITED STATES

1. INTRODUCTION This diaspora mapping report is produced by IOM Montenegro, in close coordination with the Government of Montenegro. This report captures the main results and insights gained from the diaspora mapping study conducted in the United States between February and August 2024. It presents a comprehensive summary of the scope and methodology employed in the mapping exercise, along with a detailed analysis of the resulting data. It outlines key findings and offers targeted recommendations designed to inform and guide policymakers and programme staff.

For the purpose of the study, the term “diaspora” is treated synonymously with the more expansive definition provided by IOM (Text box 1). Chapter 2: Research Methodology includes a more detailed note on the intended target audience of the mapping exercise. This definition aligns relatively well with the “diaspora-expatriates” definition captured in the Law on Cooperation between Montenegro and the Diaspora-Expatriates (last amended in 2021). Text box 1. Terminology According to the IOM Glossary on Migration, diasporas are “migrants or descendants of migrants whose identity and sense of belonging, either real or symbolic, have been shaped by their migration experience and background. They maintain links with their homelands, and to each other, based on a shared sense of history, identity, or mutual experiences in the destination country”.1 Based on the Law on Cooperation between Montenegro and the DiasporaExpatriates (last amended in 2021), the category “diaspora-expatriates” includes Montenegrin citizens and individuals of Montenegrin origin living abroad and who perceive Montenegro as their “mother country or country of origin and heritage as democratic, independent, sovereign and civil”.2 However, the terms “diaspora” and “emigrants” do not refer to Montenegrin citizens who are temporarily residing

perceive Montenegro as their “mother country or country of origin and heritage as democratic, independent, sovereign and civil”.2 However, the terms “diaspora” and “emigrants” do not refer to Montenegrin citizens who are temporarily residing abroad solely for the purpose of short-term education, those pursuing treatment (e.g. medical) or for other reasons that are not associated with the intention of permanent settlement abroad.3 1 IOM, Glossary on Migration, International Migration Law No. 34 (Geneva, IOM, 2019). 2 Montenegro, Government of, Law on Cooperation between Montenegro and the Diaspora-Expatriates, 2021 Amendment (2021). 3 Ibid.2

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Cooperation with diaspora communities represents a strategic priority for the Government of Montenegro, which has been demonstrated through the creation of diaspora-related structures, legislation and strategies. The Directorate General for Consular Affairs and Diaspora (DGCAD), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for example, has been traditionally responsible for the protection of rights and interests of the diaspora. The DGCAD has led actions to support diaspora engagement, such as building networks between diaspora investors and Montenegrin institutions and organizing events on diaspora and economic development with relevant Government of Montenegro representation. In addition, the Administration for Cooperation with the Diaspora-Expatriates, an independent public body, has been mandated to enact emigration policy and facilitate engagement with the diaspora population. The institution’s duties include cooperation with the diaspora and expatriates for the purpose of strengthening diaspora connections with Montenegro, preserving their identity and protecting their rights abroad. Examples of their activities include the event Days of Diaspora and internal consultations related to its mandate (e.g. the 2021 round-table discussion on the role of the Montenegrin diaspora in the process of European integration).4 Moreover, there is also the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Expatriates, which is responsible,

of Diaspora and internal consultations related to its mandate (e.g. the 2021 round-table discussion on the role of the Montenegrin diaspora in the process of European integration).4 Moreover, there is also the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Expatriates, which is responsible, in part, for considering and drafting laws and acts related to the well-being of emigrants and the diaspora, such as the Law on Cooperation of Montenegro with Diaspora-Expatriates.5 In July 2024, the Government of Montenegro announced the creation of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs (MoDA). Though this will lead to internal restructuring of previously established agencies with mandates pertaining to diaspora engagement, the creation of the new Ministry was done to enhance efforts on strengthening ties with the diaspora and improving the prioritization of engagement towards mutual benefit for the diaspora and for Montenegro’s ongoing development. At the 2024 Days of the Diaspora event, the new Minister, Mirsad Azemović, addressed the diaspora to share the upcoming efforts of the new Ministry: Your commitment, the work and effort you put in, as well as your love for the homeland, make us proud. Regardless of how far you are, you are an integral part of us and our identity. Your contribution is not only economic, but also cultural, social and political … It is our obligation to work on strengthening ties with the diaspora, to create conditions for the return of those who wish to do so, and to support your projects and initiatives. We are aware of the challenges you face and are committed to creating programs and policies that will make it easier for you to maintain your ties to your homeland. In the coming period, we will work on improving communication with our diaspora, improving educational and cultural programs, as well as supporting initiatives that connect our people around the world, all with the aim of strengthening and preserving our identity.6 Evidently, through its internal structures, legislation and policy, the Government of Montenegro has prioritized efforts to preserve diaspora identity and affiliation. However, there is further opportunity to strengthen these ties by implementing concrete measures and tools and allocating resources

people around the world, all with the aim of strengthening and preserving our identity.6 Evidently, through its internal structures, legislation and policy, the Government of Montenegro has prioritized efforts to preserve diaspora identity and affiliation. However, there is further opportunity to strengthen these ties by implementing concrete measures and tools and allocating resources to promote socioeconomic development. Across the country, and in the northern regions of Montenegro especially, internal and external migration trends are a significant factor leading to the shortage of specialized knowledge and skills in key sectors.7 Leveraging the expertise of diaspora and migrant populations presents an opportunity for mutual benefit through initiatives, such as knowledge 4 IOM, Migration Governance Indicators Profile 2022: Montenegro (Geneva, IOM, 2022). 5 Montenegro, Parliament of, Committee on International Relations and Emigrants (n.d.). 6 Vijesti News, “Azemović: Diaspora is the immense wealth of Montenegro”, Vijesti News (27 July 2024). 7 European Training Foundation (ETF), How Migration, Human Capital and the Labour Market Interact in Montenegro (n.p., ETF, 2021).3 MAPPING THE MONTENEGRIN DIASPORA IN THE UNITED STATES transfer programmes. Furthermore, remittances remain a vital aspect of diaspora engagement, where there is more expansive potential to optimize diaspora contributions. Beyond financial support, the diaspora can play a significant role in promoting trade, foreign investment, entrepreneurship, and business and entrepreneurial knowledge transfer. Recent research conducted by the Organization of Montenegrins Studying Abroad (OMSA) also highlights the interest among young diaspora professionals to contribute to their homeland’s progress.8 Recommendations from the OMSA study advocate enhanced government coordination and communication; strengthening the role of the Administration for Cooperation with DiasporaExpatriates to support diaspora inclusion in Montenegro’s social, economic and political life; the development of a national strategy on brain circulation; and the establishment of programmes to deepen engagement. There is also a data gap pertaining to the diaspora as existing registries offer limited insights due to

Expatriates to support diaspora inclusion in Montenegro’s social, economic and political life; the development of a national strategy on brain circulation; and the establishment of programmes to deepen engagement. There is also a data gap pertaining to the diaspora as existing registries offer limited insights due to low registration numbers. This has hindered efforts to comprehensively understand the diaspora’s composition with primary challenges related to gender breakdown, age distribution and occupation. These gaps limit more in-depth quantitative and qualitative understanding of the diaspora as well, such as the experiences and perspectives of women in the diaspora. To address these gaps and build on the Government of Montenegro’s ongoing efforts to engage its diaspora towards sustainable development, IOM Montenegro launched the Diaspora Engagement for the Sustainable Development of Montenegro project. Phase I of the project lays the groundwork for comprehensive diaspora mapping through the development of a mapping methodology, while Phase II is focused on implementing strategies, enhancing engagement mechanisms and developing tools to further involve the diaspora in Montenegro’s developmental endeavours. Under Phase II, IOM Montenegro engaged two international consultants to map the Montenegrin diaspora across the United States. Outcome 1 of Phase II includes the diaspora mapping component. This outcome, whereby “[t]he Government of Montenegro validates new, evidence-based diaspora strategies to engage the diaspora community in the socioeconomic development of Montenegro” will be supported through Output 1.1 (A comprehensive, gender-sensitive diaspora mapping report is available). The availability of comprehensive data on the diaspora, including demographic breakdowns by age and gender, geographical distribution, educational background, employment status and involvement in diaspora organizations, is crucial for informing relations between Montenegro and its diaspora. To this end, a mapping exercise of the Montenegrin diaspora was conducted, utilizing the methodology developed in Phase I. The design of the mapping methodology and the implementation of the exercise was guided by the IOM Diaspora Mapping Toolkit, which represents the experience of IOM with over 150 diaspora mapping exercises implemented across diverse contexts.9 Designing this exercise (including data

in Phase I. The design of the mapping methodology and the implementation of the exercise was guided by the IOM Diaspora Mapping Toolkit, which represents the experience of IOM with over 150 diaspora mapping exercises implemented across diverse contexts.9 Designing this exercise (including data collection tools, considerations for data storage, analysis, publication and ethical standards, etc.) based on this toolkit enables a more systematic, standardized and comprehensive approach to diaspora mapping that can improve national, regional and international data collection benchmarks, replicability and time-bound comparability. Additionally, IOM published Developing a Road Map for Engaging Diasporas in Development,10 a guide for policymakers and practitioners in origin and destination countries, which was used as a reference in the design of the study methodology, analysis and recommendations.11 8 Mićanović, A., D. Jovićević, D. Berishaj and M. Raspopović, Reality Check (out) from Montenegro: A Roadmap to Brain Gain in Montenegro (Podgorica, Organization of Montenegrins Studying Abroad (OMSA), 2022). 9 IOM, Diaspora Mapping Toolkit (Geneva, IOM, 2022). 10 IOM, Developing a Road Map for Engaging Diasporas in Development: A Handbook for Policymakers and Practitioners in Home and Host Countries (Geneva and Washington, D.C., IOM and Migration Policy Institute, 2012). 11 Ibid.4

1. INTRODUCTION Understanding the diverse nature of the Montenegrin diaspora will aid in identifying their varied resources and potential contributions to the country’s development. The mapping exercise aims not only to inform policy formulation but also to provide the Government of Montenegro with up‑to-date, gender-disaggregated data on its diaspora. Gender-disaggregated data was collected and analysed to facilitate an evidence-based approach to diaspora engagement. This foundational data will inform specific strategies and mechanisms for diaspora engagement in Montenegro, aligning with local needs, priorities and the capacities of the diaspora itself.

Additionally, recommendations for streamlining diaspora registration processes are provided to

analysed to facilitate an evidence-based approach to diaspora engagement. This foundational data will inform specific strategies and mechanisms for diaspora engagement in Montenegro, aligning with local needs, priorities and the capacities of the diaspora itself. Additionally, recommendations for streamlining diaspora registration processes are provided to increase the number of registered diaspora members, thereby enhancing the understanding of the Montenegrin diaspora and its pertinent characteristics for the country’s development. The mapping report will also be leveraged to support project results under Outcome 2 (The Government of Montenegro and loca