The Transnational Emigration State

This chapter discusses the concept of Transnational Emigration State (TES) and its role in the management of emigration and the transnational flows it generates. It highlights the influence of international organisations in shaping the TES and the ways in which public authorities perceive and manage emigrants. The paper illustrates the theoretical considerations by investigating the diverse set of policies and institutions in Morocco responsible for migration issues, covering economic, social, cultural, religious and diplomatic aspects. It shows how TES policies target migrant social institutions such as transnational families, businesses and organisations to enhance financial and other beneficial forms of remittances while taming adverse political influence and contestation of state authorities. It does so by establishing relay institutions in settlement areas and by developing a political economy of transnational morality to influence the behaviour of expatriated nationals.