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The welfare state, an impediment to integration?

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  • Walz, Uwe
  • Wellisch, Dietmar

Abstract

We investigate the consequences of redistribution policy on migration and trade in a Standard two-good Heckscher-Ohlin framework. With free trade and factor price equalization, abolishing migration barriers is redundant. With the introduction of government activity, matters change drastically. Redistributive policies create an incentive to migrate in the country providing higher transfers. We show that in such a world, free migration increases the bürden of the welfare program in the rieh country and causes suboptimal national redistribution policies in both countries. It is definitively in the interest of the rieh country to stop short of a relaxation of migration barriers. Rather, a pure free trade regime without migration proves to be preferable.

Suggested Citation

  • Walz, Uwe & Wellisch, Dietmar, 1997. "The welfare state, an impediment to integration?," Tübinger Diskussionsbeiträge 119, University of Tübingen, School of Business and Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:tuedps:119
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trade; Migration; Integration; Redistribution Policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F11 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Neoclassical Models of Trade
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions

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