29. Returning Migrants as a Force to Urban Transformation—A Case Study from Poznan, Poland

Literature has documented how urban landscapes around the world have been altered by immigrant groups but not much has been written on how returning migrants influence urban spaces in their home countries. This chapter focuses on the changes in Poznan, Poland precipitated by the return of Polish migrants from extended labor migration in the UK and other countries. Returning migrants diversify the city by introducing or creating a market for new businesses formerly unknown to the population of Poznan. The return of migrants inspires the introduction of ethnic (but not Polish) cultures and cuisines. These businesses were started and are operated by former emigrants or by travelers who had gained cultural knowledge by living, working, and interacting with different cultures during their stay away from Poland. Returning migrants also become the customer base for new businesses and help to shape and energize new consumer trends. This chapter will describe the origins, process, and outcomes of changes in the urban landscape caused by return migration.