Storm Clouds Ahead? Migration and Labor Force Participation Rates in Europe

June 21, 2018

Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary

The paper examines the potential effects of international migration on labor force participation in advanced economies in Europe. It documents that migration played a significant role in alleviating aging pressures on labor supply by affecting the age composition of receiving countries’ populations. However, micro-level analysis also points to differences in average educational levels, as well as differences in the effects of any given level of education on participation across migrants and natives. Difficulties related to the recognition of educational qualifications appear to be associated with smaller effects of education on the odds of participation for migrants, especially women.

Subject: Aging, Education, Labor, Labor force participation, Migration, Population and demographics

Keywords: age composition effect, age effect, aging, Europe, integration policy, Labor force participation, migrant, migration, migration scenario, net migration, participation decision, policy stance, way migrant, WP

Pages:
24
Volume:
2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5089/9781484363058.001
Issue:
148
Series:
Working Paper No. 2018/148
Stock No:
WPIEA2018148
ISBN:
9781484363058
ISSN:
1018-5941

IMF’s Work

RESOURCES

TOPICS

Flagship Publications

Other Publications

IMF reports and publications by country

Regional Offices

All News

See Also

For Journalists

Press Center

RESOURCES

FLAGSHIPS

KEY SERIES

IMF NOTES

IMF Working Papers