Author: Usman Adekunle Ojedokun and Adeyinka Abideen Aderinto
Volume: 56 Issue No:3 Year:2014
Abstract: Social network constitutes a valuable asset which transnational migrants typically rely on for survival and adaptation in their country of destination. However, it is increasingly becoming a tool utilized by some immigrants to engage in street begging in their host-country. This paper, therefore, examines the network of social relationship among transnational street beggars in South-West Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Migration Network Theory. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were adopted for the selection of 398 respondents. Data were generated through the combination of survey questionnaire, in-depth interview and case-study methods. The results showed that the majority (81.2%) of transnational street beggars had a contact(s) in Nigeria prior to their arrival. Furthermore, their contacts, who were also involved in transnational street begging, accommodated them. The study recommends stringent immigration measures for Nigeria as a way of effectively controlling the activities of this category of beggars.