Historic factors/Networks
The existence of historical ties and established networks also comes out as
highly significant. The number of people from the main countries of origin
already resident in a particular host-country is strongly and positively
correlated with the relative number of asylum applicants this country
receives. This appears to support the suggestion that the existence of
interpersonal ties, be it with relatives, friends or people from 'back home'
already resident in a particular country of destination can act as a strong
magnet for asylum seekers. This is not surprising as it is through such
networks, information about the country of origin will be passed on to
potential asylum seekers who are still in the country of origin. Despite the
fact that qualitative studies suggest that the amount of information
passed from relatives and friends from the destination country to potential
asylum seekers before they leave is quite limited (Robinson and Segrott
2002: 41),29 it appears that any kind of contact, no matter how fleeting will
constitute a pull factor for potential asylum seekers that can tip the
balance towards the decision to claim asylum in a particular country.
Liberalism
As expected, favourable perceptions as to how liberal a potential host-
country is, show a strong, and positive relationship with the relative
numbers of applications that a country receives. Countries which show a
high concern for people beyond their own border and engage
disproportionately in efforts to alleviate underdevelopment in the third
world (through ODA payments) attract relatively more asylum seekers
(Thielemann 2003b).30
29 Robinson and Segrott's survey and interview data suggests a number of reasons for
this limited degree of prior contacts—lack of time for those who had to flee at short
notice, the dangers involved in risking that others might find out about their emigration
plans and loss of contact due to internal flight conditions prior to their decision to leave
their country (2002: 41).
30 Other indicators such as number of racial attacks or number of extreme right wing
votes in a country could be added as alternative indicators for the relative 'liberalness' of
a country.
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