Briefing Paper 2. Who is Most Likely to Migrate from Albania? Evidence from the Albania Living Standards Measurement Survey.

Abstract

Migration, whether internal or external in character, provides an important strategy for coping with poverty in Albania. Since the start of the Albanian transition to a market-based economy, the scale of migration has induced a radical demographic transformation within the country. A number of studies have documented and profiled the nature of the Albanian migration experience over the last decade. These provide useful and informative insights into the profile of Albanian migrants, emphasizing both the causes and consequences of migration. The aim of the work described in this briefing is to explore the factors that influence whether those who are left behind are more or less disposed to migrating. This work is part of the DRC project \"Migration and the Poverty Transition in Albania\".

Econometric analysis measuring the impact of selected factors on considering migration reveals a range of influences on the intention to migrate, including gender, age, education, employment and living conditions. In general men are more likely to consider migrating than women, the young more likely than the old. The better educated, the unemployed and the poor - but not the poorest - are also more likely to consider migrating. Decreasing unemployment, increasing wage levels and reinforcing the rule of law and protection of property are most likely to reduce the likelihood of individuals to migrate in the future.

Citation

Sussex, UK, DRC on Migration, Globalisation and Poverty, 4 pp.

Briefing Paper 2. Who is Most Likely to Migrate from Albania? Evidence from the Albania Living Standards Measurement Survey.

Published 1 January 2005