I have heard the interpretation that in ancient times it was more usual for people to reincarnate back to their original lands. I don't know if this is true, but I think that because people lifetime after lifetime are meeting others all around the world and travelling outside their lands, humanity are really becoming worldly souls.

If the soul really wants to reincarnate back to their past country, then they will. How? Choice will play a part as will what is in the soul's best interest.
I take the cupid as a soul becoming ready to be born that hangs around the potential and chosen mother, which will cause an attraction around her.

I am lucky to have a good episodic memory. And as a child, I could've sworn I had memories of visions of seeing my mother before I was born.

I think there are various ways people can recall past life identities after reincarnation. But just because a person may not be able to do this very clearly during their life is not to say that memories won't return back to them.