The main aim of this paper is to investigate, by using an econometric approach, the main variables that drive high skilled migration from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt to Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Great Britain and Spain. Our results confirm the main conclusions already pointed out by previous empirical works on international migration of high skilled individuals. Indeed, per capita income differentials, unemployment rates, previous colonial ties and a common language together with welfare expenditure and population in destination countries affect the migration decision in a crucial way. Unexpectedly, neither distance, nor network effects influence skilled migration flows.
Keywords: International migration, geographical mobility, brain drain
Jel Code: J110, J610, R230