Work

Skills-oriented migration in the Western Balkans: Linking workers' migration aspirations to skill shortages in destination and origin countries

Year: 2024

Type: preprint

Abstract: This working paper is D7.3 (T3.3) of the Horizon Europe project GS4S - Global Strategy for Skills, Migration and Development (gs4s.eu). The paper examines the impact of labour shortages on migration aspirations and destination preferences among individuals from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Using a two-stage Heckman selection model, we analyse data from the OeNB Euro Survey and the World Bank’s STEP Measurement Program. The results indicate that labour shortages significantly influence migration decisions: individuals are more likely to aspire to migrate if there is a shortage of workers in their occupation in the aspired destination countries, while shortages in their home country reduce migration aspirations. These findings suggest that both origin and destination countries should consider labour market conditions when formulating migration policies. For destination countries, highlighting demand for specific skills can attract needed workers, while Western Balkan countries should address the education-labour market mismatch to mitigate local shortages. Policy co-ordination between regions is crucial to manage migration flows and address skill gaps without exacerbating local shortages.

Source: RePEc: Research Papers in Economics

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14056279

Authors: Beckers, Pascal, Ghodsi, Mahdi, Ivanović, Ksenija, Leitner, Sandra, Poeschel, Friedrich, Sabouniha, Alireza

Institutions: Radboud University Nijmegen, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, European University Institute

Language: English

Topic: Migration and Labor Dynamics

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission