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Welfare Magnet Hypothesis, Fiscal Burden, and Immigration Skill Selectivity

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  • Assaf Razin
  • Jackline Wahba

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the effect of welfare state generosity on the difference between skilled and unskilled migration rates, and the role of mobility restriction in shaping this effect. We utilize the free labor movement within the European Union plus Norway and Switzerland (EUR) and the restricted movement from outside the EUR in order to compare the free-migration regime to the restricted-migration regime. We find strong support for the magnet hypothesis under the free-migration regime, and the fiscal burden hypothesis under the restricted-migration regime, even after controlling for differences in educational quality and returns to skills in source and host countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Assaf Razin & Jackline Wahba, 2015. "Welfare Magnet Hypothesis, Fiscal Burden, and Immigration Skill Selectivity," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 117(2), pages 369-402, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:scandj:v:117:y:2015:i:2:p:369-402
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F0 - International Economics - - General
    • F2 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • H10 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - General

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