The Institute of Culture and Tourism Management, Culturology and Ethnology, Faculty of Arts, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra
would like to invite you to an international scientific conference
June 16 and 17, 2026
The conference will be held under the auspices of Prof. PhDr. Martin Hetényi, PhD.– the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra.
Main Organiser: Institute of Culture and Tourism Management, Culturology and Ethnology, Faculty of Arts, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra
Co-organiser: Institute of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland)
It is evident that labour migration is currently one of the most significant driving forces behind global economic and social transformation. This phenomenon is characterised by its dynamism, exerting demands on legislation, the labour market, social cohesion, and individual adaptation. The objective of this international scientific conference is to provide an in-depth, multidisciplinary analysis of this phenomenon, with particular emphasis on its cultural and social consequences.
The conference has been organised by the Institute of Culture and Tourism Management, Culturology and Ethnology of the Faculty of Arts of the Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra as part of the APVV-23-0358 project entitled „Labour Migration from Romania, Serbia and Ukraine to Slovakia and its Cultural and Social Consequences“.
We invite academics, researchers, policymakers, NGO and local institutions representatives to contribute their knowledge and experience. This will help fill the gap in the knowledge of the societal consequences of labour migration. The objective is to facilitate critical reflection by comparing local, national and international experiences. This will help to develop practical solutions for managing and understanding migration processes.
The objectives of the conference:
Participation format: combined – in-person and online
Conference date: June 16 and 17, 2026
Conference venue: Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (exact address will be confirmed in April 2026)
Deadline for online registration: March 31, 2026 (You can sign up here)
Confirmation of acceptance: before April 12, 2026
Deadline for submitting the full version of the paper to the conference proceedings: June 12, 2026 (to the e-mail address: konfumktke@gmail.com)
Conference language: Slovak, Czech, Polish, English
Conference fees: free (The publication of the proceedings and refreshments are covered by the APVV project funds. Participants are responsible for covering their own accommodation, meal and travel expenses.)
Conference output: peer-reviewed printed and online proceedings (published in 2026)
Scientific Board of the Conference:
Doc. Mgr. Silvia Letavajová, PhD. – Institute of Culture and Tourism Management, Culturology and Ethnology, Faculty of Arts, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia
Prof. PhDr. Boris Michalík, PhD. –Institute of Culture and Tourism Management, Culturology and Ethnology, Faculty of Arts, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia
Doc. PhDr. Monika Štrbová, PhD. – Institute of Culture and Tourism Management, Culturology and Ethnology, Faculty of Arts, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia
Dr. Rafał Cekiera, Prof. UŚ – Institute of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
Prof. Dr. Daniela Marčoková – Department of Slovak Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
Prof. PhDr. Alexandra Bitušíková, CSc. – Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
Doc. PhDr. Radoslav Štefančík, PhD. – Department of Intercultural Communication, Faculty of Applied Languages, University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia
RNDr. Boris Divinský – independent expert, Slovakia
Organising Committee of the Conference:
Doc. Mgr. Silvia Letavajová, PhD.
Prof. Mgr. Miroslav Ballay, PhD.
Doc. PhDr. Monika Štrbová, PhD.
PhDr. Michal Kurpaš, PhD.
PhDr. Katarína Kompasová, PhD.
PhDr. Roman Zima, PhD.
PaedDr. Andrea Molnárová, PhD.
Mgr. Jana Sollárová
Mgr. Liudmyla Trubinova
Mgr. Adam Slovák
Main thematic areas:
The Scientific Committee welcomes articles that build on broader theoretical frameworks and specific research questions within the following areas (but not limited to):
I. Frameworks and management of migration
1. The legislative and administrative contexts of labour migration
Study of permit processes, visa granting, recognition of qualifications, and barriers faced by labour migrants and employers
2. Activities and engagement of local organisations, institutions, and civil society.
The role of non-profit organisations, local governments, and religious organisations in supporting the integration and rights of migrants. Mapping of the tools and activities of local institutions and analysis of the accessibility and effectiveness of these activities.
3. Labour migrants through the eyes of employers
Employers‘ experiences and attitudes. Companies‘ perspectives on the recruitment, retention and integration of foreign workers, and on diversity management and addressing the issues of cultural differences in the workplace.
4. Foreigners on the Slovak labour market
Specifics of the Slovak environment; analysis of sectors with the highest employment rate of foreigners; regulation.
II. Social reaction and narratives
5. Attitudes of the majority population towards labour migration.
Determining the opinion orientations of the general population, opinion leaders, and other groups towards migrants and labour migrants, including the degree of social distance. Research on perceptions, fear and trust; factors influencing the acceptance of migrants.
6. Labour migration in political narratives
Analysis of political parties‘ and leaders‘ discourse on migration and labour migration, and its impact on electoral behaviour and policymaking. The impact of political discourse on attitudes towards migrants, especially in the context of different perceptions of EU and non-EU citizens.
7. Media presentations of labour migration.
Shaping public opinion on migration and labour migration by the media; stereotype analysis and ethics of reporting.
III. Impacts, integration and the transnational dimension
8. The economic aspects of labour migration
The benefits and costs of migration for host countries, tax and social systems, impacts on wages and employment of domestic employees.
9. The impact of labour migration on the country of origin
Analysis of remittances and their impact on regional development and migrant families; the transfer of skills and knowledge (‚brain gain‘), and its impact on family structures and local development. The cultural and social impacts of labour migration on migrants‘ countries of origin will be analysed, especially with reference to Slovak expatriate communities abroad.
10. Adaptation, acculturation and integration strategies of labour migrants
Individual and collective strategies for life in a new country, e.g. in the areas of employment, education, communication and housing.
11. Family, gender and the identity of migrant employees
Decision-making about migration in the context of family, gender and identity; the division of roles; the creation of new identities in a transnational space.
12. Transnational relations arising from labour migration
Ties to home; transnational communities and their significance. Analysis of the social networks that migrants create between their country of origin and their host country.
13. Community life of migrant workers
The emergence and function of ethnic, cultural, social and other types of communities that migrant employees create, their social support and impact on integration. Research on models of migrant community life.
IV. Specific groups and theory
14. The cultural, artistic and social activities of labour migrants.
The role of culture and art in the process of participation in the host culture and maintaining ties with the country of origin. Culture as a means of self-expression, integration and dialogue.
15. Refugees – students – labour migrants (status changes and movement between categories)
Research on mobility within migration statuses and related challenges.
16. Expatriate Slovaks as labour migrants
The specific position and experiences of expatriate Slovaks who migrate for work.
17. Foreign graduates and their application in the labour market
The challenges and barriers encountered by foreign school and university graduates when seeking employment within the labour market. The impact of educational policy on labour migration.
18. Migration theories
A critical evaluation and application of existing theories to current migration phenomena.
We look forward to your participation.
