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South-South refugee movements: Do pull factors play a role?

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  • Mauro Lanati
  • Rainer Thiele

Abstract

Studies analysing the pattern of international refugee flows have so far focussed on movements to OECD destinations, even though the vast majority of refugees live in non-OECD countries. Employing a standard gravity model of international migration, we fill this research gap by investigating the impact of destination country characteristics on south-south refugee movements over the period 2004-2019. Our findings suggest that refugees tend to move to safe neighbouring countries but also positively respond to local pull factors such as relatively high per-capita income levels and the availability of education and health services when choosing their country of destination. Donors have the ability to affect the direction of south-south refugee movements by investing in the social infrastructure of potential destination countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Mauro Lanati & Rainer Thiele, 2022. "South-South refugee movements: Do pull factors play a role?," RSCAS Working Papers 2022/60, European University Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:rsc:rsceui:2022/60
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    South-South Refugee Movements; Gravity Model; Pull Factors; Foreign Aid;
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