Digital transformation and migration flows: from conceptual approach to analysis of studies

Abstract

The digital transition is transforming the patterns of global migration flows, providing migrants with tools that facilitate their journey. The status of these individuals is thus evolving from that of « uprooted immigrants » to « connected immigrants » who maintain ties with their country of origin while consolidating their integration. In Morocco, the modernisation of public and private structures is part of a drive to digitise society with the aim of improving access to accurate information, reducing the administrative burden on stakeholders and making job and training opportunities more visible to sub-Saharan migrants, whose digital disadvantage could limit their ability to acquire skills. This article proposes to link digital transformation and migration, first through a conceptual framework and theoretical analysis, and then through the analysis of 15 empirical case studies produced between 2017 and 2024 in Europe, North America and Morocco, which show what progress has been made and what obstacles remain.