Essays in international migration

Abstract

This thesis contributes towards a structured understanding of selected aspects of contemporary international migration, which has important implications for public policies at the global, national, and sub-national levels. This thesis is organized around three policy essays, in addition to an Introduction, which sets the context; and concluding remarks, which includes directions for future research. The first essay examines the interrelationships between globalization, demographic trends, and migration policies, and analyzes the various policy implications arising out of the interrelationships. The second essay undertakes an empirical study based on household sample data, of factors contributing to return migration in the Indian state of Kerala. It examines evidences (if any) of structural shifts in employment patterns among returnees, and analyzes the policy issues thereof. The third essay reviews relevant analytical and empirical literature concerning the possible role of remittances in economic development of recipient countries, and analyzes the importance of remittances in India's macroeconomic management. It also explores specific policy options to sustain such flows, and channelize them into productive uses.