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On the Economics and Politics of Refugee Migration

Author

Listed:
  • Christian Dustmann

    (University College London)

  • Francesco Fasani

    (Queen Mary University London)

  • Tommaso Frattini

    (University of Milan)

  • Luigi Minale

    (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)

  • Uta Schӧnberg

    (University College London)

Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of refugee migration, with emphasis on the current refugee crisis. After first reviewing the institutional framework laid out by the Geneva Convention for Refugees, we demonstrate that, despite numerous attempts at developing a common European asylum policy, EU countries continue to differ widely in interpretation and implementation. We then describe key features of the current refugee crisis and document the overall magnitudes and types of refugee movements, illegal border crossings, and asylum applications to EU member states. We next turn to the economics of refugee migrations, contrasting economic and refugee migrants, discussing the trade-offs between long-term asylum and temporary protection, and highlighting the economic advantages of increasingly coordinating the different national asylum policies. Finally, we illustrate the economic integration of past refugee migrants to EU countries and conclude with several policy recommendations.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Dustmann & Francesco Fasani & Tommaso Frattini & Luigi Minale & Uta Schӧnberg, 2016. "On the Economics and Politics of Refugee Migration," Development Working Papers 403, Centro Studi Luca d'Agliano, University of Milano, revised 28 Sep 2016.
    • Handle: RePEc:csl:devewp:403
    as

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    File URL: https://www.dagliano.unimi.it/media/WP2016_403.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    asylum policy; asylum seekers; refugee crisis;
    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
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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