Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/204509 
Year of Publication: 
2019
Series/Report no.: 
GLO Discussion Paper No. 411
Publisher: 
Global Labor Organization (GLO), Essen
Abstract: 
This chapter provides a state-of-the-art literature review about research that aims to explain the return, repeat, circular and onward migration of the highly-skilled migrants around the world. After it describes the status quo in the knowledge economy and the international race for talent, it presents the relevant theories and concepts of migration in the social sciences and how these theories accommodate the phenomena of return, repeat and onward migration. A special section is devoted to selection. The chapter then summarizes, evaluates, and juxtaposes existing empirical evidence related to theoretical predictions. Observables such as education, income, gender and home country as well as unobservables such as ability, social capital and negotiating skills play a strong role in influencing return, repeat and onward migration decisions. Yet, there is no consensus on the direction of the effect. The chapter discusses shortcomings and limitations along with policy lessons. It concludes by highlighting holes in the literature and the need for better data.
Subjects: 
Return
circular
onward
international labor migration
knowledge economy
high-skilled
public policy
JEL: 
F22
J15
J18
J20
J61
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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