Migration notes
Migration notes
Net migration is the number of immigrants minus (-) the number of emigrants
Types of migration
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 factors are the reasons that cause people to move away from their homes. Pull factors are
the factors that attract migrants to their destination.
• 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
Countries by immigrant population (dark blue = 50% to light blue = below 1%; grey = no
data)
• 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