Determinants of emigration and its economic consequences: evidence from Kosova

This paper concentrates on the determinants of emigration decisions among the working-age population in Kosova, a country with 20% of its population abroad. The estimates derived are largely consistent with the conventional theories of migration in that emigration decreases with age and generally increases with education and household size, though significant differences are also noted. In addition, the paper focuses on the brain drain effect due to emigration and employment differentials at home and abroad as the driving force for emigration from Kosova. This is the first systematic study of these issues in this post-socialist and post-conflict economy.