Birthplace networks and destination choices of male internal migrants

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00181-025-02861-7

This paper estimates the effect of birthplace migrant networks on destination choices of male internal migrants by exploiting variation in individuals’ moves across Turkish provinces between 1985 and 2000. We study the effects by skill group, reason for migration, marital status, and age at migration. The results show a robust effect of birthplace networks on destination choices with significant heterogeneity across migrant types. Networks matter less for individuals who are more educated, single, and moving due to transfers. More educated, single, and older individuals also move longer distances, and labor market conditions play a significant role only in employment-related moves.