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Return, Circular, and Onward Migration Decisions in a Knowledge Society

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  • Constant, Amelie F.

Abstract

This chapter provides a state-of-the-art literature review about research that aims to explain the return, repeat, circular and onward migration of the highly-skilled migrants around the world. After it describes the status quo in the knowledge economy and the international race for talent, it presents the relevant theories and concepts of migration in the social sciences and how these theories accommodate the phenomena of return, repeat and onward migration. A special section is devoted to selection. The chapter then summarizes, evaluates, and juxtaposes existing empirical evidence related to theoretical predictions. Observables such as education, income, gender and home country as well as unobservables such as ability, social capital and negotiating skills play a strong role in influencing return, repeat and onward migration decisions. Yet, there is no consensus on the direction of the effect. The chapter discusses shortcomings and limitations along with policy lessons. It concludes by highlighting holes in the literature and the need for better data.

Suggested Citation

  • Constant, Amelie F., 2019. "Return, Circular, and Onward Migration Decisions in a Knowledge Society," GLO Discussion Paper Series 411, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:411
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    2. Hadley, Ashley, 2024. "Migration and professional mobility: Rural attraction and retention of South African educated physicians," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 350(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Return; circular; onward; international labor migration; knowledge economy; high-skilled; public policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy
    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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