Publication Type:
other

Publication Year:
2003

Publication Bibliography:

Efficient Migration and Redistribution
Journal of Public Economics , 87(11), October 2003, pp. 2459-2474
Abstract: It has often been noted that the brain drain may be abetted by highly progressive tax systems in the regions which are likely sources for emigration by those with the most income-earning potential. This paper presents the case in favour of such policies. The underlying assumption here is that there are productivity differences between regions, and that emigration of the most skilled workers from less productive regions increases the overall value of national output. The problem lies in sharing these gains with the less-skilled workers left behind in the low-productivity region. If national governments can transfer income among regions, but if the transfers cannot be targeted to particular individuals, then there is a trade-off between equity and efficiency. Generous transfers redistribute the gains, but tend to impede efficient migration, since prospective migrants will only emigrate if their earnings, net of all fiscal transfers, and net of migration costs, are higher in the destination region. Greater tax progressivity in the source region helps relax a constraint, and make the trade-off less difficult.

Publication Reference Link:

Break down of publication data into fields

Publication Title:

Author Name:

Co-Author Name(s):

c
d

Conference Title:

Report Title:

Title of Paper:

Chapter Title:

Title of Journal:

Title of Book:

Conference Name:

City and Province/State/Country:

Editor's Name (if different from Author's Name):

Volume and Issue:

ISBN/Catalogue No:

Publisher:

City:

Page Number(s):

Publication Type:

Publication Category: