Migration

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another.

Net migration is the number of immigrants minus (-) the number of emigrants

Migration journeys to the European Union

Map showing migration routes, Credit: HRW

Types of migration

Internal migration vs international migration: Internal migration is when people move to a

different place within the same country, whereas international migration involves the crossing of
a country’s border.

Rural to urban/urban to rural/ urban to urban/ rural to rural: from what type of settlement
people are moving to the type of their new settlement. Rural to urban migration is common in
developing nations, when people seek work in the cities (where new industries and employment
opportunities are developing. Rural to urban migration is often urbanisation. Urban to rural
migration is most common in MEDC’s as living is cheaper and more attractive in less industrial
areas.

Involuntary vs voluntary: Voluntary means that people choose to move for a better standard of
living (better jobs and higher wages). Voluntary migration is mostly economic migration.
Involuntary migration is when people are forced to move or they will face extreme hardship,
persecution or death. People moving abroad involuntarily are usually refugees.

Temporary or permanent: Temporary migrant stay in an area for a limited amount of time (eg.
seasonal migrants). Permanent migrants move and don’t return home.

Push and pull factors

Push factors are the reasons that cause people to move away from their homes. Pull factors are
the factors that attract migrants to their destination.
Push factors include:

war, political and religious persecution

unemployment and low wages

poor standard of living

poor healthcare and education

natural disasters eg. flood , volcanic eruptions, drought

famine

Pull factors include:

economic and political stability and safety from conflict and persecution

better job prospects

better standard of living

good healthcare and education

proximity to relatives and friends

proximity to entertainment and leisure facilities

Benefits and disadvantages of international migration

Advantages for the migrant

Wages may be higher in the country of origing

Wider choise of job opportunities

Better chance to develop new skills

Support family living abroad throught remittances

Learn a new language

Disadvantages for the migrants

High financial cost of migration

Separation from family and friends

Problems settling into a new culture (assimilation)

Risk of exploitation from unscrupulous employers

Migration may involve hazardous travel

Countries by immigrant population (dark blue = 50% to light blue = below 1%; grey = no data)

Advantages for country of origin

Remittances as a source of income

Emigration may help reduce unemployment and underemployment

Less pressure on healthcare and education

Less pressure on housing infrastructure

Temporary migrants might bring innovation to the country

Disadvantages for country of origin

Young highly skilled labour with vital skills departs, leading to brain-drain and fewer innovations

Ageing population due to large outflow of young migrants

Labour force may fall, reducing agricultural or industrial output

Return migrants may question traditional values, leading to cultural division among the
community

Advantages for country of destination

Greater availability of labour helps reduce the cost for businesses and may reduce inflation

Cultural diversity enriches the community

Influx of young migrants counteracts the effects of an ageing population

Disadvantages for country of destination

Migrants may be perceived as taking jobs from the local communtiy

Pressure on housing infrastructure and healthcare and education

Change in ethnic mix may lead to tension

Population pressure may be a burden for the environment

Factors preventing migrationsea, mountains, water

High cost of moving

Legal barriers, eg. VISA, passports

Language barriers

Lack of safe transport

Extreme weather conditions

Lack of temporary accomodation