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Selecting only the best and brightest? An assessment of migration policy selectivity and its effectiveness

Author

Listed:
  • Glen RAYP

    (Ghent University)

  • Ilse RUYSSSEN

    (UNU-CRIS)

  • Samuel STANDAERT

    (Ghent University)

Abstract

This paper introduces a new set of comprehensive and cross-country-comparable indexes of migration policy selectivity. Crucially, these reflect the multidimensional nature of the differential treatment of migrants. We use these indexes to study the evolution of migration policy selectivity and estimate how they affect migration flows. Combining all publicly available and relevant data since WWII, we build three composite indexes that identify selectivity in terms of skills, economic resources and nationality. First, we use these to characterize migration policies in 42 countries between 1990 and 2014. Second, we examine the relationship between the selectivity of migration policy and migration flows. Each of the three dimensions of migration policy is found to correlate strongly and significantly with both the size and structure of migration flows.

Suggested Citation

  • Glen RAYP & Ilse RUYSSSEN & Samuel STANDAERT, 2024. "Selecting only the best and brightest? An assessment of migration policy selectivity and its effectiveness," JODE - Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 90(3), pages 352-383, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ctl:louvde:v:90:y:2024:i:3:p:352-383
    DOI: 10.1017/dem.2024.9
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Effectiveness; International migration; Migration policy; Selectivity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation
    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration

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