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The Health Impacts of Relaxing Internal Migration Policies: Quasi-experimental Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Wu, Fengyu
  • Wang, Julia Shu-Huah
  • You, Jing
  • Teitler, Julien

Abstract

This study examines the health impacts of a large-scale internal migration reform in China. Using nationally representative data from the China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey (2012-2018) and a unique dataset on city-level policy intensity and adoption timing, we employ a triple-difference approach to estimate the effects of migration policies on migrants' perceived physical and emotional health. We find that more lenient policies significantly improve migrants' health relative to natives. Integration policies yield health benefits approximately 3-4 times greater than selection policies. The most effective policy tools enhancing all health outcomes are integration policies granting migrants access to public services and education and selection policies targeting high-skilled migrants. Health improvements are driven by reduced overtime work, greater social capital, and stronger integration with natives. Analysis of treatment effect heterogeneity indicates that selection policies offer more consistent health benefits across various durations of residence, while integration policies primarily benefit long-term migrants.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Fengyu & Wang, Julia Shu-Huah & You, Jing & Teitler, Julien, 2025. "The Health Impacts of Relaxing Internal Migration Policies: Quasi-experimental Evidence from China," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1598, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:1598
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Health; Migration Policies; Internal Migration; Hukou Reform; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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