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Controlling Irregular Migration: Can a Market for Temporary Foreign Work Permits Help?

Author

Listed:
  • Auriol, Emmanuelle
  • Mesnard, Alice
  • Perrault, Tiffanie

Abstract

We study how temporary visa schemes can be designed to drive smugglers out of business while meeting labor market demand in host countries. The policy trade-off between migration control and ending human smuggling can be overcome by combining internal and external controls with a regulated market for temporary visas. In this market, visa duration and price are set at "eviction" levels, designed to throttle smuggling activity. We use information on irregular migration from Senegal to Spain and the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Africa to calibrate the eviction prices of visas for these two routes. Our results highlight important constraints for governments seeking to prevent temporary workers from overstaying, especially on South-North routes such as Senegal to Spain. We suggest combining a regulated market for visas with tighter sanctions against employers of undocumented workers as a new way forward.

Suggested Citation

  • Auriol, Emmanuelle & Mesnard, Alice & Perrault, Tiffanie, 2021. "Controlling Irregular Migration: Can a Market for Temporary Foreign Work Permits Help?," CEPR Discussion Papers 16777, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:16777
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Immigration; Human smuggling; Market structure; Legalization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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