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on Economics of Human Migration |
| By: | Melanie Morten (Stanford University); Corina Mommaerts (Yale University); Ahmed Mobarak (Yale University); Costas Meghir (Yale University) |
| Abstract: | We investigate the relationship between seasonal migration and informal risk sharing in rural Bangladesh. We use data from a randomized controlled trial which provided incentives for households to migrate (Bryan et al., 2014). Using this experimental variation, we first provide evidence of the effect of decreasing migration costs on endogenous risk sharing in the village. We then investigate the mechanisms of this effect. We undertake a semi-parametric analysis of the source of income shocks, source of insurance and measurement error. Next, we characterize a dynamic model of migration and endogenous risk sharing, incorporating investment in learning about migration possibilities. Estimation of the model is in progress; we plan to analyze the welfare effect of alternative policies to encourage migration, such as access to credit and further reductions in the cost of migrating. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:red:sed015:190&r=mig |
| By: | Seshan,Ganesh Kumar; Zubrickas,Robertas |
| Abstract: | This paper examine asymmetric information about migrant earnings and its implications for remittance behavior using a sample of Indian households with husbands working overseas in Qatar. On average, wives underreport their husbands? income and underreporting is more prevalent in households with higher earning migrants. The discrepancy in earning reports is strongly correlated with variation in remittances: greater underreporting by wives is associated with lower remittances. An exchange model of remittances is developed with asymmetric information and costly state verification. The optimal remittance contract prescribes a threshold for remittances that invites verification only if unmet. The model?s predictions closely match our empirical findings. |
| Date: | 2015–07–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7368&r=mig |
| By: | Möllers, Judith; Arapi-Gjini, Arjola; Xhema, Sherif; Herzfeld, Thomas |
| Abstract: | A remarkable exodus from Kosovo occurred in the winter 2014/15, raising urgent questions about its underlying drivers and implications for both Kosovo and the destination countries. This policy brief provides a first-hand qualitative snapshot of key migration drivers, as well as insights on some particularities of the phenomenon. We find that the exodus is the result of a struggling Kosovar state, which failed to maintain the enthusiasm and hope of its young nation and turn it into sustainable development. Instead, a lack of perspectives and accumulated frustration about the existing political caste, nepotism and corruption drive out even middle class people. The extent and timing of the migration wave was closely connected with facilitated travel conditions and incentivising rumours that caused a snowball effect. We argue that EU countries will have to react with patience and care in handling incoming migrants. Changes in the asylum and visa regimes are recommended, but a smart timing of measures is important. Ultimately, to prevent a deepening crisis and possible unrest in Kosovo, temporary legal migration opportunities are needed. Within Kosovo, only breaking up existing structures and establishing efficient institutions and functioning social models in their place could allow the country to overcome its economic deadlock. |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:iamopb:24&r=mig |
| By: | Pierre-Philippe Combes (Departement d'Economie de Sciences Po); Sylvie Démurger (CNRS); Shi Li |
| Abstract: | We analyse the impact of internal migration in China on natives׳ labour market outcomes. We find evidence of a large positive correlation of the city share of migrants with natives׳ wages. Using different sets of control variables and instruments suggests that the effect is causal. The large total migrant impact (+10% when one moves from the first to the third quartile of the migrant variable distribution) arises from gains due to complementarity with natives in the production function (+6.4%), and from gains due to agglomeration economies (+3.3%). Finally, we find some evidence of a stronger effect for skilled natives than for unskilled, as expected from theory. Overall, our findings support large nominal wage gains that can be expected from further migration and urbanisation in China. |
| Keywords: | Migration; Urban Development; Agglomeration Economies; Wage Disparities; China |
| JEL: | O18 J61 R23 J31 O53 |
| Date: | 2015–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:spo:wpmain:info:hdl:2441/l4oaogsnr9rvqfme8pagm9sb6&r=mig |
| By: | Janine Leschke; Béla Galgóczi |
| Abstract: | This Working Paper describes the main trends in post-enlargement east/west intra-EU labour mobility. It looks at how different population groups, nationals, EU8 and EU21 migrants have been affected by the turbulent processes of opening up national labour markets and subsequently by the crisis. |
| Keywords: | Employment, Migration |
| Date: | 2015–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:etu:wpaper:13713&r=mig |
| By: | William J. Collins; Marianne H. Wanamaker |
| Abstract: | We construct datasets of linked census records to study internal migrants’ selection and destination choices during the first decades of the “Great Migration” (1910-1930). We study both whites and blacks and intra- and inter-regional migration. While there is some evidence of positive selection, the degree of selection was small and participation in migration was widespread. Differences in background, including initial location, cannot account for racial differences in destination choices. Blacks and whites were similarly responsive to pre-existing migrant stocks from their home state, but black men were more deterred by distance, attracted to manufacturing, and responsive to labor demand. |
| JEL: | J10 J61 N32 |
| Date: | 2015–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:21384&r=mig |
| By: | Nong Zhu; Cecile Batisse |
| Abstract: | The objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between self-employment and socio-economic integration of immigrants in Canada. Using the micro-census data from 1991 and 2006, our results show that self-employment reduces income inequality ; however, its effect on income distribution is not uniform over time. L’objectif de cette recherche est d’analyser les relations existant entre exercice d’une activité indépendante et intégration socio-économique des immigrants au Canada. Établis à partir des microdonnées des recensements de 1991 et 2006, nos résultats montrent que le travail indépendant réduit les inégalités de revenu, mais que son effet sur la distribution du revenu n’est pas uniforme au cours du temps. |
| Keywords: | Self-employment, socio-economic integration, immigrants, Activité indépendante, intégration socio-économique, immigrants |
| Date: | 2015–07–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cir:cirwor:2015s-31&r=mig |