DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14862490
title: GAPs Data Repository on Return: Guideline, Data Samples and Codebook

description: The GAPs Data Repository provides a comprehensive overview of available qualitative and quantitative data on national return regimes, now accessible through an advanced web interface at https://data.returnmigration.eu/. 

This updated guideline outlines the complete process, starting from the initial data collection for the return migration data repository to the development of a comprehensive web-based platform. Through iterative development, participatory approaches, and rigorous quality checks, we have ensured a systematic representation of return migration data at both national and comparative levels.

The Repository organizes data into five main categories, covering diverse aspects and offering a holistic view of return regimes: country profiles, legislation, infrastructure, international cooperation, and descriptive statistics. These categories, further divided into subcategories, are based on insights from a literature review, existing datasets, and empirical data collection from 14 countries. The selection of categories prioritizes relevance for understanding return and readmission policies and practices, data accessibility, reliability, clarity, and comparability. Raw data is meticulously collected by the national experts. 

The transition to a web-based interface builds upon the Repository’s original structure, which was initially developed using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). It  is a secure web application for building and managing online surveys and databases.The REDCAP ensures systematic data entries and store them on Uppsala University’s servers while significantly improving accessibility and usability as well as data security. It also enables users to export any or all data from the Project when granted full data export privileges. Data can be exported in various ways and formats, including Microsoft Excel, SAS, Stata, R, or SPSS for analysis. At this stage, the Data Repository design team also converted tailored records of available data into public reports accessible to anyone with a unique URL, without the need to log in to REDCap or obtain permission to access the GAPs Project Data Repository. Public reports can be used to share information with stakeholders or external partners without granting them access to the Project or requiring them to set up a personal account. Currently, all public report links inserted in this report are also available on the Repository’s webpage, allowing users to export original data.     

This report also includes a detailed codebook to help users understand the structure, variables, and methodologies used in data collection and organization. This addition ensures transparency and provides a comprehensive framework for researchers and practitioners to effectively interpret the data.

The GAPs Data Repository is committed to providing accessible, well-organized, and reliable data by moving to a centralized web platform and incorporating advanced visuals. This Repository aims to contribute inputs for research, policy analysis, and evidence-based decision-making in the return and readmission field.

Explore the GAPs Data Repository at https://data.returnmigration.eu/.