Why do states develop multi-tier emigrant policies? Evidence from Egypt

Tsourapas, G. (2015) Why do states develop multi-tier emigrant policies? Evidence from Egypt. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 41(13), pp. 2192-2214. (doi: 10.1080/1369183X.2015.1049940)

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Abstract

Why do states vary their policies towards their citizens abroad, and why are some emigrant groups treated preferentially to others? The literature on the politics of international migration has yet to explore this as a separate field of inquiry, assuming that states adopt a single policy that encourages, sustains or prevents emigration abroad. Yet, in the case of Egypt, the state developed a multi-tiered policy that distinctly favoured specific communities abroad over others. I hypothesise that policy differentiation is based upon the perceived utility of the emigrant group remaining abroad versus the utility of its return. This utility is determined by two factors: the sending state’s domestic political economy priorities and its foreign policy objectives.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Tsourapas, Professor Gerasimos
Authors: Tsourapas, G.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
Journal Name:Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1369-183X
ISSN (Online):1469-9451
Published Online:08 July 2015

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