Circular Migration or Permanent Return: What Determines Different Forms of Migration?

29 Pages Posted: 21 Jul 2009

See all articles by Florin Vadean

Florin Vadean

PSSRU, University of Kent

Matloob Piracha

University of Kent - Department of Economics; IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Abstract

This paper addresses the following questions: To what extent do the socio-economic characteristics of circular/repeat migrants differ from migrants who return permanently to the home country after their first trip (i.e. return migrants)? and What determines each of these distinctive temporary migration forms? Using Albanian household survey data and both a multinomial logit model and a maximum simulated likelihood (MSL) probit with two sequential selection equations, we find that education, gender, age, geographical location and the return reasons from the first migration trip significantly affect the choice of migration form. Compared to return migrants, circular migrants are more likely to be male, have primary education and originate from rural, less developed areas. Moreover, return migration seems to be determined by family reasons, a failed migration attempt but also the fulfillment of a savings target.

Keywords: return migration, circular migration, sample selection

JEL Classification: C35, F22, J61

Suggested Citation

Vadean, Florin and Piracha, Matloob, Circular Migration or Permanent Return: What Determines Different Forms of Migration?. IZA Discussion Paper No. 4287, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1434621 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1434621

Florin Vadean (Contact Author)

PSSRU, University of Kent ( email )

George Allen Wing
Cornwallis Building
Kent, CT2 7NF
United Kingdom

Matloob Piracha

University of Kent - Department of Economics ( email )

Keynes College
Kent, CT2 7NP
United Kingdom

IZA Institute of Labor Economics ( email )

P.O. Box 7240
Bonn, D-53072
Germany