Neutral migration models for Israel and Japan

The 1985-95 statistical data for Israel and Japan are used to test the assumption that inter-regional migration is a function of the relationship between employment and housing availability in the area. When these factors remains in equilibrium, there is little change in net migration. When scarcity of land, a large influx of immigrants, or a government policy causes these factors to be out of balance, migration occurs. A general model of the factors affecting cross-district migration is proposed, and regression analysis is used to explain the factors influencing the rate of cross-district migration in the two countries. Empirical models are developed that make it possible to determine the preconditions for 'migration neutrality' of a region, i.e. the state of equilibrium in which the region does not exhibit either a significant influx of migrants or outflow of its current residents.