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The Globalization of Refugee Flows

Author

Listed:
  • Xavier Devictor
  • Quy-Toan Do
  • Andrei A. Levchenko

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

  • Xavier Devictor & Quy-Toan Do & Andrei A. Levchenko, 2021. "The Globalization of Refugee Flows," NBER Working Papers 28332, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:28332
    Note: DEV ITI
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Malte Becker & Tobias Heidland, 2025. "Geopolitical Tensions and Migration," Vierteljahreshefte zur Arbeits- und Wirtschaftsforschung, Duncker & Humblot, Berlin, vol. 2(1), pages 23-35.
    2. Murard, Elie, 2023. "Long-term effects of the 1923 mass refugee inflow on social cohesion in Greece," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    3. Dang, Thang, 2025. "Language training, refugees' healthcare integration, and the next generation's health," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    4. 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.
    5. Ajzenman, Nicolás & Aksoy, Cevat Giray & Guriev, Sergei, 2022. "Exposure to transit migration: Public attitudes and entrepreneurship," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    6. 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.
    7. 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.
    8. 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.
    9. 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).
    10. repec:hal:wptree:hal-03822494 is not listed on IDEAS
    11. 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.
    12. 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).
    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).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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