Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/149416 
Year of Publication: 
2014
Citation: 
[Journal:] IZA Journal of Migration [ISSN:] 2193-9039 [Volume:] 3 [Publisher:] Springer [Place:] Heidelberg [Year:] 2014 [Pages:] 1-21
Publisher: 
Springer, Heidelberg
Abstract: 
After the introduction of the freedom of movement for Eastern European workers, EU-15 countries were expected to reduce public benefits in order to avoid becoming "welfare magnets". However, OECD data do not support the prediction of a race to the bottom in benefit levels. Using EU-LFS data, I analyze the determinants of migration flows and do not find evidence that welfare state variables affect migration flows when controlling for temporary political restrictions of the freedom of movement. This explains why the pressure to modify welfare spending is small. Furthermore, evidence is found that the restrictions offset the migration incentive effects of work-related pull factors.
Subjects: 
Determinants of migration decisions
EU enlargement
"Welfare migration"
Push and pull factors
JEL: 
F22
J21
J61
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
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Document Type: 
Article

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