Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP2003
Authors: Thomas Bauer; Ira N. Gang
Abstract: This paper analyses the determinants and timing of return migration. Special attention is given to the role of social and informational migration networks. A simple theoretical model of temporary migration demonstrates that the effect of migration networks on optimal migration duration is ambiguous. Using a sample of return migrants from six different villages in Egypt we investigate the determinants of migration duration using a flexible parametric proportional hazard model for discrete duration data. Controlling for human capital and demographic characteristics of the migrants and economic indicators for the host country, the estimation results show that informational networks have a statistically significant negative effect on migration duration.
Keywords: return migrants; duration of migration
JEL Codes: J61
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| skill level and occupational status (J24) | migration duration (F22) |
| remittance behavior (F24) | migration duration (F22) |
| education level of the migrant's wife (I25) | migration duration (F22) |
| oil price in the year before return (Q31) | migration duration (F22) |
| migration networks (J61) | migration duration (F22) |
| Egyptian migrants stay longer in Saudi Arabia and Libya (F22) | migration duration (F22) |
| Egyptian migrants stay shorter in Iraq and Jordan (F22) | migration duration (F22) |