Understanding undocumented migration from Bangladesh to Italy: the role of transnational networks

Bangladesh has increasingly become a notable source of undocumented migrants, ranking among the largest groups attempting to reach Europe, primarily through the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea and various land borders. Drawing on multi-sited qualitative research conducted in Italy and Bangladesh, this article analyses the narratives of Bangladeshi migrants to understand how transnational social networks facilitate and sustain undocumented migration from Bangladesh to Italy. It argues that in today's interconnected societies, many migrants maintain transnational social fields that foster migration aspirations among non-migrants. These findings contribute to the existing body of literature on undocumented migration by illuminating the role of social networks across three phases: the pre-migration phase, which informs migration decisions and preparatory measures; the migration phase, which facilitates border crossings; and the post-migration phase, which supports the process of acclimatisation during the initial days in Italy.