Optimal assisted return policies are dynamically inconsistent
Abstract
The number of individuals worldwide seeking asylum is steadily increasing. A significant share of asylum applications is rejected, resulting in millions of failed asylum seekers each year. Assisted return policies, a cost-effective alternative to forced repatriation, play a crucial role in addressing this issue. This paper presents a theoretical model analysing governments' optimal choice with respect to the generosity of these schemes. We show that ignoring the long-term effects of assistance on the attractiveness of the host country leads to support levels that are more generous than the dynamically consistent policy.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Migration
Refugees
and Integration
Migration and Labor Dynamics
Racism
and Human Rights
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Public Choice
- Volume
- 208
- Issue
- 3-4
- Pages
- 627–639
- Publication date
- 5 March 2026
- Language
- EN