Types of Migration
Types of Migration
- Migration is the movement of people from one place to another to live
- Population change as a result of migration (as opposed to changes in birth and death rates) is sometimes called unnatural change
- Temporary movement, such as tourism, is not usually counted as migration
- Internal migration happens at a local scale,
- Within a country
- It doesn’t affect total population of that country
- It does affect local population size
- International migration occurs at larger scales
- Between countries
- It changes a country’s total population
- More in-migration than out-migration leads to a positive net migration and population growth (assuming birth and death rates remain stable)
- A negative net migration happens when out-migration exceeds in-migration (assuming birth and death rates remain stable)
- International migration occurs for different reasons
- Voluntary migrants are often economic migrants seeking better jobs and standard of living
- Other migrants feel as though they have no choice but to leave their country of origin
- Some flee across borders because they fear death or persecution from war, natural disasters, religious or political persecution
- They apply for ‘asylum’ in a host country and whilst the application is being considered they are known as asylum seekers
- If their application is successful they may be granted temporary or permanent residency. Legally they now become refugees
Top Ten Destinations and Origins of International Migrants in 2020 (in millions)
Exam Tip
Be clear on the difference between the types of migrants. In the media, migrants are often lumped together as one type but it’s important that you can make a distinction between voluntary migrants and those who feel they have to leave for fear of their life.
