High-skilled Migrants Research Articles

Bilateral flows and rates of international migration of scholars for 210 countries for the period 1998-2020

A lack of comprehensive migration data is a major barrier for understanding the causes and consequences of migration processes, including for specific groups like high-skilled migrants. We leverage large-scale bibliometric data from Scopus and OpenAlex to trace the global movements of scholars. Based on our empirical validations, we develop pre-processing steps and offer best practices for the measurement and identification of migration events. We have prepared a publicly accessible dataset that shows a high level of correlation between the counts of scholars in Scopus and OpenAlex for most countries. Although OpenAlex has more extensive coverage of non-Western countries, the highest correlations with Scopus are observed in Western countries. We share aggregated yearly estimates of international migration rates and of bilateral flows for 210 countries and areas worldwide for the period 1998–2020 and describe the data structure and usage notes. We expect that the publicly shared dataset will enable researchers to further study the causes and the consequences of migration of scholars to forecast the future mobility of academic talent worldwide.

High-skilled migration and the knowledge society. Theories, processes, perspectives

The recent economic crisis has led to an upswing in migration from the Mediterranean countries of Europe towards its central and northern development hubs. This overall increase in migration also includes high numbers of the so-called skilled migrants, consisting mainly, though not exclusively, of young people moving within Europe for study or specialisation, or seeking employment that matches their skills profile. It is no coincidence then that this new trend for skilled migration within Europe forms the main thrust of the cognitive and research interests of sociologists, economists and migration geographers. The aim of this paper is to reconstruct the theoretical debate on skilled migration in the context of what is perhaps too hastily defined as a ?knowledge society?, through a broad and systematic critical analysis of the scientific literature.

COVID-19 and the precarious low-skilled workforce in the European Union: Time to call the shots?

This commentary highlights the critical role of low-skilled workers who are often considered unwanted populations within the European Union (EU) migration system that privileges high-skilled migrants, while neglecting the existence of low-skilled migrants, creating unfavorable job conditions for low-skilled migrants despite their considerable contributions to EU economies. Unfortunately, this wrenching problem became evident during the pandemic. While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all segments of the population to varying degrees in the EU, the migrant populations were adversely affected in many aspects. Specifically, low-skilled migrants are the most vulnerable to the pandemic’s secondary effects, due to multiple forms of vulnerability, risk, exploitation, and precarity shaped by their intersectional identities and membership in other marginalized groups. It has been argued that the roles of low-skilled migrants should be considered when appraising their impact and developing labor migration policies. This commentary concludes by proffering some recommendations for the EU governing entities in formulating schemes to ensure the inclusion of low-skilled migrant workforce into the public policy and labor migration system.

Response of the European Union on Return Directive and Readmission Agreements (RDRAs) on Nigerian Irregular Migrants

This study appraised the EU RDRAs on Nigerian irregular migrants and examined the challenges of RDRAs on Nigerian irregular migrants. The study made use of primary sources of data through in-depth interview conducted on EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, European External Action Service, Frontex, International Organisation for Migration, Idia Renaissance, Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. Findings from the study showed that two types of return directive exits; voluntary return and enforced return. Voluntary returnees are provided with Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) while enforced returnees are not provided with AVRR, and they are likely detained, escorted by the policemen through the back door and corridor of the airport and deported to Nigeria or transit countries. Findings from the study showed the challenges of RDRAs on Nigerian irregular migrants in that, most return carried out by the EU are not in compliance with the laid down regulation as some migrants are return to countries of transit. Moreover, the conditionality attached to readmission agreements are only applicable for high-skilled migrants, a situation described as brain drain for Nigeria and brain gain for the EU. The study concluded that EU RDRAs are restrictive in nature which provide escape routes for irregular migrants in European countries, and that lack of compliance on RDRAs are the results of unlawful detention of Nigerian irregular migrants by the EU as well as torture and abuse by the security officials and traffickers, a situation that violate human rights.

Internal Migration Policies in China: Patterns and Determinants of the Household Registration Reform Policy Design in 2014

AbstractThis study exploits rich data sources to investigate city-level patterns of internal migration policies in response to the reform of Chinese household registration and the economic, political and sociocultural determinants that drive policy approaches. First, we collected and systematically coded policy documents from 231 cities. Cluster analyses showed that the majority of cities (63%) adopted less lenient selection policies while offering integrative social welfare policies. Rights to internal migration remain selectively granted in China, yet rights to welfare have become more equitable than they were in the past because of the reform. Second, multinomial regression analyses showed that economic development and growth are related to selection policies that are more lenient towards high-skilled migrants, whereas top-down controls of superior governments, local politicians’ characteristics (e.g. tenure concerns and hometown favouritism) and migrants’ sociocultural environments (e.g. pre-existing labour disputes) account for both selection and integration policies.

Intellectual capital and student mobility

ABSTRACT This paper advances the conceptualisation and application of intellectual capital, a key concept in the intellectual migration framework, to understand international student mobility. The intellectual migration framework contends that higher-education and highly-skilled migrants acquire, upgrade and utilise intellectual capital for upward career and social mobility. This paper argues that intellectual capital is not the sum of different forms of capitals, but a complete package with human, cultural and social capitals working in synergy through the agency of migrants. Focusing on higher-education students at the beginning of the intellectual migration continuum, it analyzes how intellectual capital is differentially accumulated at various stages of the educational process. Drawing on 51 semi-structured interviews with Chinese international students in North America, we learn that pre-migration intellectual capital, due largely to parents and family, reflects social inequality in contemporary societies whereas that obtained while studying abroad reveals more on individual agency. As such, intellectual capital accumulation abroad serves as a mediating process, especially for those with less privileged backgrounds. Supportive international higher education sectors in both sending and receiving countries can also assist students in their intellectual capital cultivation process and contribute to alleviating educational inequality.

“Losing the Maid” Contradictory Dynamics of Social Class, Race, and Gender in the Migration Experiences of Mexican Expat Wives

This study analyzes and offers a novel perspective on the complex and, at times, contradictory dynamics of class, race, and gender in the context of high-skilled migration by unpacking the significance of losing la muchacha (the maid) in the migratory experiences of Mexican expat wives. When Mexican (upper) middle-class women migrate to Western countries, they are confronted with the loss of extensive domestic support that they had previously taken for granted, leaving them to deal with the domestic burden while their husbands develop their international careers. This not only deepens gendered inequalities within their families but also challenges their middle-class habitus because commanding help has been an essential part of their upbringing and social position. Using grounded theory methodology to analyze data from 37 in-depth interviews, we found that participants responded to this situation by either trying to reproduce the patronal relationship in their new country of residence or — often after many years of living there — by adjusting to what they considered a more “civilized,” “western,” or “European” mind frame, incorporating a lower reliance on domestic help into their understanding of middle-class status. These migrants never explicitly challenged the underlying power structures in terms of gender, race, and class but learned to navigate privileges by adapting racial and social class codes to those of their host countries while mourning the Mexican domestic service paradise.

The dynamic of stepwise migrations of Nepalese high-skilled migrants via the Middle East

ABSTRACT This article explores the experiences of Nepalese highly skilled migrants who use temporary migration to the Gulf region as a stepping-stone to further migration to developed countries outside the region. Furthermore, we explore the factors that influence migrants’ trajectories by applying the aspiration–ability model to understand various migratory steps of the Nepalese stepwise migrations. Here, we distinguish between migrants’ aspirations, abilities and structural forces – in South Asia, the Gulf and outside the region – that can either enable or restrict their agency. We find that the countries in the Middle East have emerged as important destinations for Nepalese migrants. It is also argued that the receiving countries in the Gulf are not the most popular destinations for skilled migrants from Nepal. However, for many aspiring skilled migrants, these countries appear to be the most affordable or only available destination at a certain stage of their migration trajectories and professional careers.

Employment Precarization and Skilled Labour Migration in Western EU Countries

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between employment precariousness and high skilled migration. There exists a large number of studies investigating the effects of precarious employment on various issues ranging from unemployment to job insecurity, however, the studies on precariousness effects on migration are scarce. In addition, in scholarly literature, high skilled migration in developed economies is presented as a specific migration with patterns differing from those from low-income countries or among those with lower educational attainment. For these reasons, data from a relatively homogeneous sample of EU-15 or Western European countries that represent the highly developed European sub-region was selected. In the analysis, fixed-effects linear regression was applied. The model included part-time, involuntary part-time, temporary, involuntary temporary, short-term employment, unemployment and earnings as independent variables and the emigration of people with tertiary education as a dependent variable. The analysis showed that involuntary part-time and short-term employment are significant positive predictors of high skilled emigration. Meanwhile, unemployment and earnings did not predict high-skilled labour mobility in the sample of EU-15 countries. The results support the implication that labour precariousness may be related to increased emigration of those with higher education in developed economies.

Recruiting and integrating international high-skilled migrants – Towards a typology of firms in rural regions in Germany

In rural regions in Germany, significant demographic shifts have raised the question as to whether increased employment of international high-skilled migrants can help to address pressing challenges, i.e., a shortage of labor, a lack of corporate internationalization, and reduced innovation activities. While firms play a key role in this context by actively recruiting migrants and harnessing their skills and competences, little is still known about how they differ in harnessing the potential of high-skilled migrants. With this as a starting point, we develop a typology of firms that distinguishes between four types of firms (introverted, absorptive, enthralled, and outgoing firms). Using the example of Thuringia, a predominantly rural federal state in East Germany, and based on a method mix that includes quantitative and qualitative elements, we explore these types in detail, analyze their spatial distribution and discuss options to unlock the potential associated with the employment of international high-skilled migrants.

The effect of populism on high-skilled migration: Evidence from inventors

This study investigates the nexus between populism and inventor migration across 36 economies during the period of 1978–2012. The primary focus of our analysis lies in the examination of inventor migration due to its potential impact on innovation within an economy. By employing a gravity model, we analyse the relationship between populists gaining power in the destination economy and the influx of inventors. The findings of our study reveal that the ascension of populists in the destination economy leads to a decrease in the number of inventors immigrating. This suggests that the presence of populism in the destination economy poses challenges in attracting inventors. Moreover, we undertake a comparative analysis of right-wing and left-wing populism, uncovering notable effects linked to each ideological orientation. Right-wing populism has the potential to discourage inventor immigration in destination economies. However, the impact of left-wing populism on inventor migration is contingent upon whether the populist leaders govern in the origin or destination economy. Specifically, when a left-wing populist assumes power in the origin economy, inventors display a diminished inclination to emigrate to alternative destinations. Additionally, destinations governed by left-wing populists experience a reduced influx of immigrant inventors.

Towards an evolutionary economic geography research agenda to study migration and innovation

Abstract Different strands of literature have provided important insights into the economic effects of high-skilled migration. Evolutionary economic approaches have provided robust evidence and theories to explain how innovation unfolds in regions. However, with few exceptions they have been silent with regard to the role of migration in this process. This paper, while building on the insights of the above streams of literature, will elaborate a conceptual framework which applies evolutionary economic geography concepts to explore the link between migration, knowledge diffusion and regional diversification. By bringing together all the above arguments, this paper brings evolutionary economic geography (EEG) into an unchartered terrain, one where regional innovation meets migration studies. By engaging in these debates, EEG can prove its interpretative power and provide further insights into the drivers of regional economic dynamics and innovation.

Vocational Domain Identification with Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing on Wikipedia Text: Error Analysis and Class Balancing

Highly-skilled migrants and refugees finding employment in low-skill vocations, despite professional qualifications and educational backgrounds, has become a global tendency, mainly due to the language barrier. Employment prospects for displaced communities are mostly decided by their knowledge of the sublanguage of the vocational domain they are interested in working. Common vocational domains include agriculture, cooking, crafting, construction, and hospitality. The increasing amount of user-generated content in wikis and social networks provides a valuable source of data for data mining, natural language processing, and machine learning applications. This paper extends the contribution of the authors’ previous research on automatic vocational domain identification by further analyzing the results of machine learning experiments with a domain-specific textual data set while considering two research directions: a. prediction analysis and b. data balancing. Wrong prediction analysis and the features that contributed to misclassification, along with correct prediction analysis and the features that were the most dominant, contributed to the identification of a primary set of terms for the vocational domains. Data balancing techniques were applied on the data set to observe their impact on the performance of the classification model. A novel four-step methodology was proposed in this paper for the first time, which consists of successive applications of SMOTE oversampling on imbalanced data. Data oversampling obtained better results than data undersampling in imbalanced data sets, while hybrid approaches performed reasonably well.

Determinants of Migration Flows in Highly Skilled Migrants Interprovince in Indonesia

Migration and regional inequality are two interrelated concepts. Inequality between regions can lead to migration. High-skilled migration, or migration of high-quality human resources, has great potential to reduce interregional disparities by helping development in the destination area. However, in reality, the flow of high-skilled migration tends to lead to more advanced provinces, especially the capital and its surroundings. This condition causes disparities between regions to increase. This study analyzes the phenomenon of internal high-skilled migration between provinces in Indonesia at a macro level using a modified gravity model approach and is estimated using the zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model. The results of this study show that the number of high-skilled populations in the provinces of origin and destination, geographical distance, average wages for workers, and the percentage of agricultural workers in the destination province, as well as the stock of migrants, influence the flow of high skilled migration between provinces in Indonesia. Increasing workers’ wages, access to transportation and information/social networks, as well as industrialization outside Java, need to be carried out to attract high-skilled migrants or keep high-skilled workers to remain in their provinces to realize equity between regions.

Stay or emigrate? How social capital influences selective migration in Italy

ABSTRACT Internal migration in Italy has been characterised by deep changes in its composition, because of the growing share of high-skilled migrants (the emigration of which contributes to widening the internal brain drain) and the decreasing proportion of low-skilled migrants. Furthermore, recent interest in the literature in the role played by noneconomic elements in affecting migration decisions has highlighted the importance of a nonpecuniary factor, namely social capital (SC). For these reasons, this paper empirically investigates the role played by SC in interprovincial selective migration, considering migrants according to two education levels using data on 103 Italian provinces (2004–2012). The main findings reveal that provincial SC mainly contributes to reducing the migration flows of low-skilled individuals, albeit while also deterring the emigration of high-skilled individuals. Control variables confirm that better income conditions represent an important determinant of high-skilled migrants most likely because they seek to earn more, while better socioeconomic conditions such as labour market efficiency mostly influence those with a lower level of education.

Employment of highly-skilled migrants during the pandemic: Focus on internal migration in Indonesia.

This article examines whether highly-skilled migrants (HSMs) have better employment prospects compared to low-skilled migrants (LSMs), highly-skilled non-migrants (HSNMs) and low-skilled non-migrants (LSNMs) during the unsettling time of the COVID-19 pandemic. This question was explored by focusing on internal migration in Indonesia utilizing the August 2020 National Labor Force Survey, which includes several pandemic-related information. The study examined employment in terms of working status, change in hours worked and change in income. The results indicate that having high skills was very important in coping with the disruptions in the labor market, regardless of the migration status. The highly-skilled migrants were the second best (after the highly-skilled non-migrants) in coping with the crisis. As this study focused on migration, future research should focus more on short-term mobility, such as commuters, who were likely to have been more disadvantaged by mobility restrictions during the pandemic.

Which hierarchy matters? Subjective social status, status incongruence and well-being among high-skilled Mainland Chinese migrants in Hong Kong

We assessed how the high-skilled migrants’ statuses in Mainland China and Hong Kong and the discrepancies between the two statuses are related to their well-being outcomes. We used respondent-driven sampling method and obtained an analytical sample of 2,864 participants. The majority of the high-skilled migrants perceived higher status in Mainland China than in Hong Kong which is more consequential for their health and well-being. Compared to those who perceived similar statuses in the two locations, migrants who perceived different statuses tended to report lower levels of psychological well-being, providing evidence to the detrimental effects of status inconsistency.

Researching high-skilled migrants between social stratification and methodological nationalism

Methodological nationalism as a critique of container-based and nation-state-focused theory and empirical research is currently strongly anchored within migration studies, where it was initially developed. While this has led to extensive literature and critical engagement with methodological nationalism, and ways to circumvent the national trap in many (sub-)disciplines, it has not much penetrated theories of social stratification. This conceptual paper will address this gap by discussing the social positioning of high-skilled migrants in contemporary stratified societies. This exemplary discussion will bring together a critical perspective of methodological nationalism on class and milieu theory. It will also confront the critique of methodological nationalism with the question of the origin of social power and dominance, which are the foundation of stratification theories. This article will specifically draw on Pierre Bourdieu's concept of social space and its derivative. Emphasis will also be given to Michael Vester's development of social milieu to highlight blind spots according to the critique of methodological nationalism. This paper shows that these theories have not grasped high-skilled migration thoroughly. It also outlines that migrant theories and their critique of methodological nationalism inadequately address the source of symbolic hierarchy and the formation of social stratification. Thus, both theoretical strands would benefit from a deeper conversation with each other.

Interior Frontiers and Highly-Skilled Migrants’ Work-Related Challenges in Japan

Interior Frontiers and Highly-Skilled Migrants’ Work-Related Challenges in Japan

Can Tax Incentives Bring Brains Back? Returnees Tax Schemes and High-Skilled Migration in Italy

Can Tax Incentives Bring Brains Back? Returnees Tax Schemes and High-Skilled Migration in Italy