Policy changes that raise aggregate welfare, but whose benefits are unevenly distributed, are often politically unfeasible. Politicians may recognise the overall gains from refugee integration, for example, but block visas or permits due to local people’s fears about job losses. But might an approach which allows refugees labour market access, and redistributes to host populations some of the resulting savings in foreign aid or public finance, generate the necessary political support?

The majority of Bangladeshi migrants take on significant financial burdens to cover migration costs, but can enjoy high returns. Many returning migrants become small-scale entrepreneurs, using money saved while working abroad.

Insecure land property rights are an important constraint on migration, structural transformation, and productivity growth, as much as all other labour mobility barriers in China

Opportunities for nurses to migrate abroad can increase the supply of educated nurses at home

We find no evidence that Syrian refugees in Jordan affected educational outcomes for Jordanians

Political party turnover in a local election increased completion times of real estate projects in Mumbai

How does encouraging rural-urban migration in the developing world impact welfare?

Evidence from Mexico shows how migrants can foster local economic development after returning to their countries of origin

International migration can be transformative for low-skilled workers and their families, and governments can play important roles to ease the visa intermediation process, lower upfront costs, and ensure safer migration