International Migration, Remittances and Brain Drain

This book provides an analysis of theoretical and empirical researches on the effects of remittances and brain drain on the development of less developed countries (LDCs). It analyzes the most recent global, regional and national data as well as the arguments for and against the emigration of highly skilled personnel and remittances, thereby highlighting policies aimed at optimizing the link between migration and development. The book examines in depth the arguments against "brain drain", namely the loss of skilled labor, wasted public investment in higher education, and reduced tax revenues. It also presents the arguments in favor, emphasizing on the transfer of scientific knowledge, the incentive effect of increased education spending, and participation in international networks. It addresses the central issue of emigration of medical personnel from developing countries and its consequences on the population.The book focuses on the effects of remittances on poverty and inequalities. They improve health conditions, raise education levels and empower women. Positive effects include the stabilizing function of remittances and the improvement of external accounts. Other effects are subject to conflicting assessments such as the reduction of labor supply and the "Dutch disease". The focus is on institutions who integrate economic, social and political incentives in order to establish remittances at the heart of development policies.The book provides a reference for students and research centers devoted to development economics, centers for international migration studies, and research units focusing on population, migration, and development.

Examines brain drain effect on emigration countries' economy Analyses remittance impact on poverty and households Emphasizes links between drain, remittances and development

Auteur

Serge Feld is Professor Emeritus of the University of Liège, Belgium. He taught general economics, development economics and economic demography. Previously, he was research assistant at the department of demography of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. From 2000 to 2015 he was an expert of the Belgian government at the UN Commission on Population and Development. He has been associated with the research conducted by the UN Population Division and he has carried out numerous missions as a consultant in migration economics for the Council of Europe and the OECD. His main areas of research are demo -economic analysis of the labor force, the labor market of foreign workers and the link between international migration and development.

Contenu

1. Major Trends in International Migration Over the Last 25 Years.- Part 1. Emigration of Highly Qualified Labor from Developing Countries.- 2. International Migration Trends of Highly Skilled Workers.- 3. Emigration of Highly Qualified Personnel from the PVD, or the "Brain Drain". Good or Bad for Development?.- 4. Emigration of Health Personnel from Developing Countries.- Part 2. Remittances to Developing Countries.- 5. Volume of Remittance Flows and Prevailing Trends.- 6. The Decision to Remit: Determinants And Actors.- 7. Remittances and Household Welfare.- 8. The Impact of Remittances on the Economy of the Countries of Emigration.- 9. Remittances, an Instrument of Development Policy.- Conclusion.