Launch of I-CLAIM Podcast Mobility, Work and Rights

The I-CLAIM Podcast explores the realities of irregular migration in Europe, challenging widespread misconceptions around mobility, work and migrant worker’s rights.

Mobility today is increasingly restricted, with legal pathways narrowing, leaving many to navigate irregularity. But irregularity isn’t just a legal issue—it’s also shaped by the politics, narratives, and practices of various actors at national and international levels. In this podcast, we delve into fundamental questions such as: What is irregular migration? Who is considered an irregular migrant? We aim to break down public and political narratives, offering fresh perspectives on one of today’s most pressing issues. Through in-depth discussions, we chart a new understanding of Europe’s evolving migration landscape amidst rapid social and political change.

Our series draws on I-CLAIM research which seeks to understand and improve the living and working conditions of irregularized migrant families across Europe. We talk with researchers from the project, present findings but also invite experts to reflect on our findings and extend the discussions to related fields and other geographical contexts.

The podcast is produced and hosted by Nando Sigona, a sociologist at the University of Birmingham specializing in migration and citizenship, and Ilse van Liempt, a human geographer based at Utrecht University with a focus on forced migration, belonging, citizenship, and in/exclusion.

The project is funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme and UKRI.

 The first episode is about the definition of irregular migration and explores why irregular migration has become such a hot topic across Europe. Together with Blanca Garces Mascarenas and Myriam Cherti we break down why definitions matter and discuss the concept of irregular migration seen from a nation state perspective as well as from a city perspective.

Stay tuned for our next episodes!