How much migration? Some perspectives on the receiving and sending economy

Abstrakti

Migration and the resulting brain gain, drain, and circulation have been crucial in shaping national economies across the globe. Economic development and migration are interlinked phenomena. Depending on the situation, both outflows and inflows of migration may have positive overall economic effects transferring labour, capital, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investments. However, these benefits remain often one-sided and benefit mainly developed economies. What is the optimal amount of migration, as Collier’s (2013) Exodus discusses, that does not result in economic asymmetries, distortions and inequalities, but enhances economic development and national competitiveness and advances knowledge is a relevant concern that deserves more attention. The concept of virtuous cycles transferring and allocating migratory gains between the sending and receiving economies in a more positive and sustainable way is a promising stream for migration debates, especially in developing and emerging economies. However, the global mobility and out-migration have become critical matters for even several European countries generating new forms of skill and profession-related imbalances and highlighting specific vulnerabilities of local economies. Hence, systemic views are suggested for the debate.