2021/12/01 by Samuel Bazzi, Lisa Cameron, Simone Schaner +5 · 1 voice
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Social Sciences · #Diaspora, migration, transnational identity #Economic Policies and Impacts #Migration and Labor Dynamics #Migration, Ethnicity, and Economy #Regional Economics and Spatial Analysis
paper · doi:10.1093/jeea/jvag024
openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex publication_date 2026/05/01 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
We conducted a randomized trial in Indonesia to study how information about labor intermediary quality shapes migration behavior. All else equal, intermediary-specific quality disclosure reduces the migration rate, cutting use of low-quality providers. Those who do migrate receive better pre-departure preparation and have improved experiences abroad. These results are not driven by changes in beliefs; nor does selection explain improved outcomes for those who migrate with quality disclosure. Our findings are consistent with an increase in the option value of search: with better ability to screen offers, workers search longer, select better intermediaries, and have better migration experiences.