Return Intentions among Potential Migrants and Commuters: The Role of Human Capital, Deprivation and Networks

We analyse determinants of duration of stay of cross-border commuters and migrants. Theory suggests that relative deprivation affects only the intended length of stay of migrants, but not of cross-border commuters. This is corroborated by econometric evidence. Also, return migrants and commuters are positively selected on education. Networks are insignificant determinants of duration of stay while distance and education are more important for commuters' duration of stay. These results are robust over different estimation methods and apply both when measuring deprivation relative to friends and family and relative to the population residing in a region.