The global economic crisis and international
migration: An uncertain outlook
Journal: Vienna Yearbook of Population Research
Volume: 2009, pages 19-37
Publisher: Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften
DOI: 10.1553/populationyearbook2009s19
Gijs Beets (1) and Frans Willekens (1)
(1) Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI), The Hague, The Netherlands
(2) (author of correspondence), Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI), Lange Houtstraat 19, NL-2511 CV, The Hague, The Netherlands. Email: willekens@nidi.nl.
Abstract
This article investigates the impact of the global economic crisis on international migration. Empirical evidence is scarce and mainly captures short-term consequences. The study covers (1) international migration theory, (2) the impact of past financial crises on international migration, and (3) published expert opinions, studies and discussions. The impact varies by reason for migration and by migrants’ employment status. Labour migration is affected most, in particular migration of low-skilled persons. Political and environmental refugees, marriage migration and family reunion will not be much affected. Remittances are affected less than predicted. The management of migration during periods of economic downturns should be guided by short- and long-term perspectives on the role of migration in development.
Full article (Corrected version)