Ricerc@Sapienza

Circular migration is a successful policy characterized by multi-dimensional, multi-stakeholder and triple-win strategies. In this framework, beneficiaries are identified in the host country, migrants and the country of origin. The literature suggests how this international phenomenon has the potential to eradicating inequality through main factors such as remittances, trade and transfer of knowledge, technology and social norms (Di Giovanni, et al. 2015; Rodrik, 2017). Yet, major attention is mainly given to migration itself, focusing on the role of first migrant generations and barely giving space to the second migrants generation, one of the most important consequence of this phenomenon.
My research proposal focuses on Italy and it aims to bring a new perspective on the existing literature concerning circular migrations and development economics at a micro level. I will investigate determinants and inhibitor of second migrant generations¿ decisions to returns to their country of origin, even for just a limited period of time. Push and pull factors are analyzed, the first boosting departures from the native country, Italy, and the latter attracting human capital back to their ancestral countries. I expect heterogeneous conclusions among ancestral countries, along with not significant levels of lifetime returns. Yet, I expect a significant level of temporary returns for familial and cultural matters, and economic reasons, with relevant implications in the national and international policy framework. Outcomes from return migration can also bring relevant implications in terms of public economics, as concerning tax revenue and further public social insurance schemes.