Journal of Economics and Development Studies

Determinants of Egyptian International Labor Migration: An Empirical Analysis
Mariam El-Assar, Werner Smolny

Abstract
Given the continuing increase in international resource mobility fueled by a rapidly globalizing world, this study aims to identify the individual specific factors that influence labor migration decisions in the Egyptian market. The research focuses on Egyptian male migrants over the period 1974-2012, analyzing and comparing determinants of their migration decision over 3 migration phases. The research also extends to analyze temporary migration, highlighting the characteristics of migrants who eventually returned to Egypt compared to those who stayed abroad. Probit Regression models are utilized to conduct the empirical analysis using data from the Egyptian Labor Market Panel Survey (ELMPS) carried out in 2012. Findings indicate that age and the degree of development of the region of residence at home have a consistently negative impact on probability of migration. While the impact of educational attainment differs over phases, with a high probability of migration for those with a higher education in the most recent phase. Results also highlight that migrants who left Egypt at an older age, used to live in rural Egypt, or have a higher educational attainment have a lower probability of returning to Egypt compared to younger, less educated migrants or those from urban Egypt.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jeds.v10n1a1