Migration Policy (Barsbai, Qiu , Beam, Gaikwad)

Question 1

Migration policy: 2 approaches to it

Answer 1

Increase benefits of migration

Reduce cost of migration

Question 2

Transitional stages of migration we consider in policy (3)

Answer 2

Pre departure

While migrant is abroad (and for those left behind - 13% want to move!) (common misperception is only receiving country has migration policy e.g cap)

Preparing for and after possible return

Question 3

So receiving/destination country policies exist, but what are types of policy options for origin countries (6)

Answer 3

Choice set of countries migrants can go to

Reduce migration costs e.g passport costs, paperwork help, migration loans (Barsbai & Beam)

Improve amenities at destination/origin (Qiu)

Increase destination wages (Gaikwad)

Improve information (Baseler & Bhatiya)

Reduce migration risk (Bryan)

Question 4

1st policy option: Choice set of destination example

Answer 4

Philippines - 49 agreements with 25 countries, and bans Saudi

Question 5

2nd Policy option: Reduce migration costs: 3 examples

Answer 5

Reduce passport cost

Help with paperwork

Migration loans

Question 6

Barsbai (links to migration cost)

Answer 6

2.5 hour info session on customs abroad, etc

Didn’t have any effects but lower social networks (so worse, since perhaps didn’t make friends or ask for help with other migrants)

So increased migration cost (utility side)

Question 7

3rd policy option: improve amenities at destination/origin

Qui

Answer 7

“Rootedness policies” Improved amenities at home (in China) e.g better electricity, water, schooling etc.

Finds reduced internal migration - increases attachment to home community

Question 8

4th policy option: increase destination wages

How? (3 examples)

Answer 8

Pre-migration stuff e.g skill training

Rights policy - min wages for migrants, giving unemployment benefits while abroad!

While abroad - language training etc

Question 9

Beam et al - explain research design and findings.

Answer 9

Randomised information, job-matching website and passport assistance.

Full assistance group (all 3) - 21% search for work abroad, (proving the job website yield most success) ,

However only around 1% for each group actually migrate! (No difference among groups i.e more searched for jobs given the treatments, but no one really migrated)

Question 10

Gaikwad et al: in India

Answer 10

Screened educated people who want to migrate but can’t.

Provide basic training and interview skills + logistical help e.g visas, medical certificates

Led to a 20% increase in migration over 2 years

Question 11

5th policy option: improve information

Answer 11

If misinformed expectations (of wage d) may not be correct!