This thesis examines the return migration of members of the Slovenian diaspora from
Venezuela, their cultural identity, transnational ties, and integration into Slovenian society. In
recent years, the political, economic and security crisis in Venezuela has prompted many
members of this diaspora to enter the repatriation process facilitated by Slovenia under the Act
Regulating Relations between the Republic of Slovenia and Slovenians Abroad. Particular
attention is paid to the factors influencing the decision to return or migrate, as well as to the
formation and transformation of cultural identity before and after arrival in Slovenia. The
empirical part of the study draws on semi-structured interviews and participant observation to
explore the experiences of individuals who returned or migrated to Slovenia through the
repatriation process after 2019. The findings indicate that their migration was primarily driven
by the political, economic, and security crisis in Venezuela, while family and transnational ties
also played an important role in the decision to repatriate. After arriving in Slovenia, they
continue to maintain numerous ties with Venezuela and Venezuelan cultural practices. Their
cultural identity is multifaceted, expressed differently depending on the social context, and
incorporates elements of both Slovenian and Venezuelan culture.
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