The welfare state is often assumed to play an important role in migration decisions. To scrutinize this assumption, we studied how welfare systems in destination and origin countries shape migration patterns within and towards Europe. In addition, we examined how the transferability of welfare entitlements influences mobility. We combined micro- and macro-perspectives and applied a mixed-method approach that combines existing statistics and migration data with new data collections in seven countries.
The Mobile Welfare project coordinated this international research project with project teams in the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. It received funding from Norface. More information on the project can be found at http://www.mobile-welfare.org/.
