Welfare Effects of Regular and Irregular Migration

This chapter examines the ways in which regular and irregular migration affects welfare. Net welfare effects concern migrants, countries of origin and host countries to varying degrees and are affected by migrants’ characteristics, especially their legal status. Irregular migration is more likely to result in welfare loss or smaller welfare gains due to unfavourable selection, high uncertainty and below-average labour market outcomes. In order to ensure overall beneficial welfare effects, migration requires governance through coherent cross-departmental policies.