The Nordic Labor Market and Migration

46 Pages Posted: 17 Feb 2016

See all articles by Giang Ho

Giang Ho

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Kazuko Shirono

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Date Written: December 2015

Abstract

The large influx of migrants to Nordic countries in recent years is challenging the adoptability of Nordic labor market institutions while also adding to potential growth. This paper examines the trends, economic drivers, and labor market implications of migration to Nordic countries with a particular focus on economic migration as distinct from the recent large flows of asylum seekers. Our analysis finds that migration inflows to the Nordics are influenced by both cyclical and structural factors. Although migration helpfully dampens overheating pressures during periods of strong demand, and over the longer term will cushion the decline in labor supply from population aging, in the near-term unemployment can rise, especially among the young and lower-skilled. The analysis highlights the need to adapt Nordic labor market institutions in a manner that better facilitates the integration of migrants into employment. In particular, greater wage flexibility at the firm level and continued strong active labor market measures will help improve labor market outcomes among immigrants.

Keywords: Nordic countries, migration, labor market, unemployment, Nordic model, labor, labor supply, drivers, Institutions and the Macroeconomy, Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure, Economics of Minorities, Labor Economics Policies, Demographic Trends and Forecasts,

JEL Classification: E02, E24, J21, J15, J08, J11

Suggested Citation

Ho, Giang and Shirono, Kazuko, The Nordic Labor Market and Migration (December 2015). IMF Working Paper No. 15/254, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2733545

Giang Ho (Contact Author)

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

700 19th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20431
United States

Kazuko Shirono

International Monetary Fund (IMF) ( email )

700 19th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20431
United States

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