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The globalization of refugee flows

Author

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  • Devictor, Xavier
  • Do, Quy-Toan
  • Levchenko, Andrei A.

Abstract

This paper analyzes the spatial distribution of refugees over 1987–2017 and establishes several stylized facts about refugees today compared with past decades. Refugees still predominantly reside in developing countries neighboring their country of origin. However, compared to past decades, refugees today (i) travel longer distances, (ii) are less likely to seek protection in a neighboring country, (iii) are less geographically concentrated, and (iv) are more likely to reside in a high-income OECD country. The findings bring new evidence to the debate on refugee responsibility-sharing.

Suggested Citation

  • Devictor, Xavier & Do, Quy-Toan & Levchenko, Andrei A., 2021. "The globalization of refugee flows," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:150:y:2021:i:c:s0304387820301802
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2020.102605
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ryan Bubb & Michael Kremer & David I. Levine, 2011. "The Economics of International Refugee Law," The Journal of Legal Studies, University of Chicago Press, vol. 40(2), pages 367-404.
    2. Dreher, Axel & Fuchs, Andreas & Langlotz, Sarah, 2019. "The effects of foreign aid on refugee flows," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 127-147.
    3. Jonathan Eaton & Samuel S. Kortum & Sebastian Sotelo, 2012. "International Trade: Linking Micro and Macro," NBER Working Papers 17864, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Austin H. Vo & Michelle S. Dromgold-Sermen, 2025. "Global Division of Responsibility Sharing: How Refugee Systems Operate Through the Economic Management of Mobility and Immobility," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-21, July.
    2. Ranabahu, Nadeera & de Vries, Huibert P. & Basharati, Zhiyan, 2025. "Refugees’ employment: Adapting a structural inequality framework for multinational corporations," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(1).
    3. Malte Becker & Tobias Heidland, 2025. "Geopolitical Tensions and Migration," Vierteljahreshefte zur Arbeits- und Wirtschaftsforschung, Duncker & Humblot, Berlin, vol. 2(1), pages 23-35.
    4. Murard, Elie, 2023. "Long-term effects of the 1923 mass refugee inflow on social cohesion in Greece," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    5. repec:hal:wptree:hal-03822494 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Dang, Thang, 2025. "Language training, refugees' healthcare integration, and the next generation's health," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    7. Schuettler,Kirsten & Do,Quy-Toan, 2023. "Outcomes for Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees in Low and Middle-Income Countries," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10278, The World Bank.
    8. Steven Gronau & Brigitte Ruesink, 2021. "What Makes Me Want You Here? Refugee Integration in a Zambian Settlement Setting," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-19, July.
    9. Ben Atta, Oussama & Chort, Isabelle & Senne, Jean Noël, 2022. "Immigration, integration, and the informal economy in OECD countries," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1197, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    10. Ajzenman, Nicolás & Aksoy, Cevat Giray & Guriev, Sergei, 2022. "Exposure to transit migration: Public attitudes and entrepreneurship," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    11. Bertinelli,Luisito & Comertpay,Rana & Maystadt,Jean-François, 2022. "Refugees, Diversity and Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10052, The World Bank.
    12. David Zuchowski, 2025. "Migration response to an immigration shock: evidence from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 25(1), pages 21-40.
    13. Becker, Sascha O. & Mukand, Sharun & Yotzov, Ivan, 2022. "Persecution, pogroms and genocide: A conceptual framework and new evidence," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • F55 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Institutional Arrangements

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