Aggregate Fluctuations and International Migration1. (6th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beine, Michel; Bourgeon, Pauline; Bricongne, Jean‐Charles
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of economics. Volume 121:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 117
• Page End: 152
• Publication Date: 2018-12-06
• Subjects: Business cycles -- income maximization -- migration choice -- migration flows; Economics -- Periodicals; 330.05
• DOI: 10.1111/sjoe.12258
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0347-0520

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, we study the role of short‐run factors such as business cycles or changes in employment rates in explaining international migration flows. First, we derive a model of optimal migration choice predicting that short‐run economic fluctuations trigger migration flows on top of the impact exerted by long‐run factors. Second, we empirically test the magnitude of the effect of these short‐run factors on migration flows. Our results indicate that both aggregate fluctuations and employment rates affect migration flows. Third, we provide evidence that the Schengen Agreement and the euro significantly increased the international mobility of workers between the member countries.uuuü