The short-term effects of visa restrictions on migrants’ legal status and well-being: a difference-in-differences approach on Venezuelan displacement

Hammoud Gallego, Omar (2024) The short-term effects of visa restrictions on migrants’ legal status and well-being: a difference-in-differences approach on Venezuelan displacement. World Development, 182. ISSN 0305-750X

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Abstract

Most countries across the globe introduce visa restrictions to regulate immigration, yet little is known about their effect on migrants’ decision to migrate and their well-being. I study the mass displacement of Venezuelan nationals, and through a difference-in-differences research design, I compare the effectiveness of introducing visa restrictions in reducing overall migration flows in certain countries across South America. I use a data set of 85,000 migrants and refugees − mostly Venezuelans − surveyed by the UNHCR. Findings suggest that visa restrictions increased the likelihood of irregular entry and irregular visa status for migrants while also leading to changes in their priorities. Unexpectedly, I do not find evidence of increased violence suffered by migrants who switch towards irregular entry channels in specific countries. This research contributes to the academic and policy debate on the effectiveness of visa restrictions on migratory flows, as well the literature on the effects of migration policies on migrants’ well-being.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2024 The Author(s)
Divisions:	School of Public Policy ?? SCPP ??
Subjects:	J Political Science H Social Sciences
JEL classification:	F - International Economics > F2 - International Factor Movements and International Business > F22 - International Migration O - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O15 - Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration R - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics > R2 - Household Analysis > R23 - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2024 16:24
Last Modified:	18 Nov 2024 20:24
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/124093

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