How Do Migrants Choose Their Destination Country? An Analysis of Institutional Determinants

Geis, Wido; Uebelmesser, Silke; Werding, Martin

doi:10.2139/ssrn.1319672

Cited by 12 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 16 publications

(35 reference statements)

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“…However, low-skilled migrants will be taxed very little (if at all) in a country with progressive taxes, so they may have larger incentives to migrate. Migrant flows are found to be lower to countries with higher tax burdens [8]. Other types of taxes will similarly distort the migration decision.…”

Section: Taxes Transfers and The Government Safety Netmentioning

confidence: 94%

Demographic and economic determinants of migration

Simpson¹

2022

izawol

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Many factors affect the net benefits and costs of migration and thus impact the decision to migrate. Studies indicate that the key determinants of migration include the availability of migrant networks, differences in income across countries, and demographic factors, but many other factors also affect the migration decision. Constraints created by tighter migration policy represent the most significant hurdle to migration. Prior to making significant changes in migration policy, policymakers should make sure they sort out which factors are driving each migrant flow so they are better prepared to welcome their new migrants. ELEVATOR PITCHThere are a myriad of economic and non-economic forces behind the decision to migrate. Migrants can be "pushed" out of their home countries due to deteriorating economic conditions or political unrest. Conversely, migrants are often "pulled" into destinations that offer high wages, good health care, strong educational systems, or linguistic proximity. In making their decision, individuals compare the net benefits of migration to the costs. By better understanding what forces affect specific migrant flows (e.g. demographic characteristics, migrant networks, and economic conditions), policymakers can set policy to target (or reduce) certain types of migrants. KEY FINDINGS ConsMigration costs are central to the migration decision, they take many forms (e.g. transportation, job search, visa fees, smuggler fees), and often vary with distance. Strict migration policy acts as a constraint in the migration decision. Demographic factors such as age, education, marital status, and language impact a person's willingness to migrate. Worsening political and environmental conditions abroad and/or improving conditions at home can lead to less migration. NICOLE B. SIMPSON | Demographic and economic determinants of migration MOTIVATIONConsider the forces that would motivate people and their families to leave their home country and move to another to start a new life. Some of those forces are economic: a higher standard of living, the chance to find a better job, or a more comfortable safety net. However, other forces are at play as well, such as superior amenities (e.g. air quality), a democratic political system, and access to a better education system. Between 2010 and 2020, the growth in the migrant stock worldwide increased by 5.1 million each year [1]. Many more would like to migrate if given the opportunity. Understanding the key determinants of migration patterns is essential when considering the implications of immigration policy. Setting immigration policy without thinking through the various mechanisms that are driving migrant flows is misguided and could lead to unintended consequences.

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Section: Taxes Transfers and The Government Safety Netmentioning

confidence: 94%

Demographic and economic determinants of migration

Simpson¹

2022

izawol

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“…The quality levels of public services in both origin and the destination countries also constitute push and pull factors for migration. From the perspective of the destination countries, well-performing education and health systems tend to attract migrants (Geis, Uebelmesser, and Werding 2013). Social safety nets can also play a role in attracting migrants from the least developed countries (Pedersen, Pytlikova, and Smith 2008).…”

Section: Demographic Patterns Network Quality Of Public Services and ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Skilled Migration: A Sign of Europe's Divide or Integration?

Bossavie¹,

Garrote-Sánchez²,

Makovec³

et al. 2022

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Some rights reserved 1 2 3 4 25 24 23 22 Books in this series are published to communicate the results of World Bank research, analysis, and operational experience with the least possible delay. The extent of language editing varies from book to book.This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries.Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved.

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“…Indeed, more recent research has challenged these primarily economic or deterministic perspectives of place attractiveness. We now know that places are also judged and selected based on noneconomic factors such as social welfare spending, the availability and quality of public services such as good education or healthcare, the quality of institutions, man‐made and natural amenities such as culture, history, climate and natural environment, recreational areas and the general quality of life (Brettell, 2008; de Jong et al, 2020; Ferguson et al, 2007; Ferwerda & Gest, 2020; Findlay, 2011; Geis et al, 2013; Mayda, 2010; Migali, 2018; Partridge, 2010; Partridge & Rickman, 2008; Pszczółkowsk, 2015; Sandu, 2017; Tuccio, 2019; Vertovec, 2007). In this sense, while many places might provide individuals with economic opportunities, the final choice of location might eventually depend on the availability and abundance of these amenities and other noneconomic factors (Nelson & Nelson, 2011; Wright & Ellis, 2016).…”

Section: What Makes a Place Attractive For Immigrants?mentioning

confidence: 99%