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Dream killer: Motivations behind illegal migration

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  • Makhlouf, Farid
  • Otmany, Hammou El

Abstract

Illegal migration poses a significant challenge for both sides of the Mediterranean. To understand the motivation behind the intention to migrate illegally from Tunisia, this study, based on a survey conducted by the Arab Barometer in 2021, uses a two-stage Heckman model to control for selection bias and tests different factors such as education levels, social capital, and social networks. The findings show that a lack of education or a low level of education significantly increases the desire to go abroad even without the required documents. This statement is more strongly made by those with relatively low levels of social capital. In addition, social networks were identified as an essential factor in legal migration but do not explain illegal migration.

Suggested Citation

  • Makhlouf, Farid & Otmany, Hammou El, 2025. "Dream killer: Motivations behind illegal migration," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 79(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reecon:v:79:y:2025:i:3:s1090944325000407
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rie.2025.101063
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    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • F24 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Remittances
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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