Liberalising Labor Migration - Forms, Constraints and Effects on Development

Abstract: The paper treats the subject of international liberalisation of labor migration. It presents some different theories on the subject and analyses how the subject has been and is treated in the framework of the GATS. Effects on development and welfare on a global scale are analysed. The positive effects of a liberalisation of labor migration are found to be substantial at any level of liberalisation and huge in case of a total liberalisation. Negative effects also exists as in any kind of trade liberalisation but these are found limited and effecting groups in society that could in one way or another be compensated.