COMPARATIVE LABOR-MARKET PERFORMANCE OF VISAED AND NON-VISAED MIGRANTS - PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN SYDNEY

Using survey data for Tongan and Samoan migrants in Sydney the effects of visa restrictions on labor market performance of migrants are asse ssed. Univariate analysis suggests a positive association between unem ployment and the unrestricted entry of Samoan step-migrants from New Z ealand. A probit model of the determinants of unemployment is estimate d with controls for human capital and demographic variables. While hum an capital endowments are important, visa restrictions do not have a s ignificant effect on either group's employability. Implications for po licy are discussed highlighting the complementarities between host cou ntry immigration policies and foreign aid programs.