Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

New analysis of the evolution of migration policies over the last century in a new IMI / DEMIG working paper challenges common assumptions about migration policies

Although politicians often perpetuate the impression that immigration policies have become more restrictive, this paper shows that policies have actually become lessrestrictive for most migrant groups in recent decades.

Using unique new data from the DEMIG POLICY database and analysing over 6,500 policy changes, authors Hein de Haas, Katharina Natter and Simona Vezzoli also show that migration policies have become more sophisticated.

Policies are now more targeted towards specific migrant groups, making them tools for states to select the type of migrants they wish to attract rather than an instrument to affect the volume of immigration.