Conclusions

Abstract

In order to assess the impact of East–West migration on the respective countries’ labour markets, the characteristics of those who migrate are of the utmost importance. This is why economists in the destination countries often advocate selective migration policies, citing the example of the United States, Canada, and many other traditional immigration countries (e.g. Zimmermann, 2005). Some of the Western European countries have recently introduced such policies, e.g. to hire foreign IT specialists within the framework of a Green Card system.