(with Md. Nazmul Hassan)
Using a unique panel dataset that includes linked data on migrants and origin households, we assess the impact of information asymmetries. Variation in travel times is used to generate variation in the cost of communication between migrants and origin households. However, because migration, as well as the destination, may be chosen with information asymmetries in mind, two sets of instrumental variables are employed: wages and migrant networks at potential destinations. Preliminary results suggest that both migrants and origin households face agency problems. Destination choice and remittances are used to mitigate these problems and to incentivize desired actions.
Publication type:
Working paper