Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP1376
Authors: Christian Dustmann
Abstract: This paper investigates the human capital investments of migrants whose duration in the host country is limited, either by contract or by their own choice. The first part of the paper develops a model, distinguishing between migrants who immigrate on a fixed contract, and migrants who choose their return point freely. The analysis has a number of interesting implications for empirical work. Some are explored in the second part of the paper, which is an empirical analysis of investments of migrants into language capital.
Keywords: international migration; human capital
JEL Codes: F22; J24
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Duration of stay in the host country (F22) | Investment in language capital (E22) |
| Intention to remain permanently in the host country (F22) | Proficiency in the language (G53) |
| Return propensity (C25) | Investment in language skills (J24) |
| Duration of stay in the host country (F22) | Language proficiency (writing abilities) (G53) |