Journal of the European Economic Association
Information, Intermediaries, and International Migration
2026-05-01
We conducted a randomized trial in Indonesia to study how information about labor intermediary quality shapes migration behavior. All else equal, intermediary-specific quality disclosure reduces the migration rate, cutting use of low-quality providers. Those who do migrate receive better pre-departure preparation and have improved experiences abroad. These results are not driven by changes in beliefs; nor does selection explain improved outcomes for those who migrate with quality disclosure. Our findings are consistent with an increase in the option value of search: with better ability to screen offers, workers search longer, select better intermediaries, and have better migration experiences.