Methodology

DEMIG aims to generate new insights into the way states and policies shape migration processes in their interaction with other receiving and sending country migration determinants. This is achieved by embedding the empirical analysis of policy effects on migration flows into a new theoretical framework on the processes and determinants of migration.

DEMIG is built around four theoretical and empirical components:

1. Elaboration of a new, theoretical framework on migration as intrinsic part of development and social transformation

2. Conceptualisation of the effectiveness and effects of migration policies and the role of states in origin and destination countries in migration process

3. Creation of longitudinal databases compiling bilateral migration flow, visa and migration policy data

• DEMIG TOTAL reports total immigration, emigration and net migration for 163 countries extending back to over one century
• DEMIG C2C (‘country-to-country’) covers bilateral migration flow data for 34 reporting countries mainly covering the 1946-2011 period
• DEMIG POLICY tracks over 6,500 migration policy changes in 45 countries over the 1946-2013 period
• DEMIG VISA is a global panel of bilateral entry and exit travel visa requirements covering the 1973-2013 period

4. Empirical studies on the role of states and policies in migration processes

• Quantitative tests on the effects of migration policies applying a double comparative, longitudinal design
• Qualitative case studies and comparisons to gain a deeper understanding of the role of states and border regimes in migration processes