Essays in international migration and migrants' remittances

The essays included in this thesis aim to contribute to the better understanding of the international migration phenomenon and its impact on the migrant sending countries through the empirical investigation of four aspects: (1) the characteristics of circular migrants and the factors that influence their decision to move repeatedly; (2) the occupational attainment of return migrants and the impact on entrepreneurship; (3) the relationship between transfers and the general expenditures of the permanent migrant household; and (4) the role played by the migrant's education/skill level in the purpose and use of monetary remittances in the home country. Evidence from Albania shows that re-migration of return migrants (i.e. circularity) occurs along the same selection pattern as initial migration and return. From the initial low to middle educated migrant population those with the highest education return to Albania, and from the returnees those having less education are most likely to re-migrate. In fact, return migrants are found to contribute to employment generating activities, having comparatively the highest odds of being entrepreneurs. However, even if the migrants do not return to the home country and settle aboard permanently, they still can make a positive impact on the home economy over the money transfers to relatives or investments made in the home country. As shown by evidence from the Canadian immigration experience, some migrant groups regard transfers to relatives rather a normal good and, hence, would eventually share a more stable portion of their expenditures with the extended family in periods of economic downturn. Additionally, evidence from immigration to Germany illustrates that the human capital endowment is significantly linked to the decision to invest in the home country. Nevertheless, the economic and political climate in the country of origin seems to play an equally important role.