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European asylum policy before and after the migration crisis

Author

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  • Tim Hatton

    (University of Essex, UK, and IZA, Germany)

Abstract

The migration crisis of 2015–2016 threw the European asylum system into disarray. The arrival of more than two million unauthorized migrants stretched the system to its breaking point and created a public opinion backlash. The existing system is one in which migrants risk life and limb to gain (often unauthorized) entry to the EU in order to lodge claims for asylum, more than half of which are rejected. Reforms introduced during the crisis only partially address the system's glaring weaknesses. In particular, they shift the balance only slightly away from a regime of spontaneous asylum-seeking to one of refugee resettlement.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Hatton, 2020. "European asylum policy before and after the migration crisis," World of Labour, LISER, pages 480-480, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izawol:journl:2020:n:480
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Timothy J. Hatton, 2020. "Asylum Migration to the Developed World: Persecution, Incentives, and Policy," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 34(1), pages 75-93, Winter.
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    11. Friebel, Guido & Manchin, Miriam & Mendola, Mariapia & Prarolo, Giovanni, 2018. "International Migration Intentions and Illegal Costs: Evidence Using Africa-to-Europe Smuggling Routes," CEPR Discussion Papers 13326, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Kilic, Tugce, 2025. "Does sectoral diversification matter? The impact of Syrian refugees on Germany's labor market," IPE Working Papers 253/2025, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Institute for International Political Economy (IPE).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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