ICSE Geography
Class – 8
Migration
Introduction to Migration
Introduction to Migration
Introduction to Migration
Migration
Migration: Movement of people from one place to
another.
• Can be for permanent or temporary settlement.
• Movement may occur:
➢ Within a country (internal migration).
➢ Across country borders (international migration).
• Types of movement:
➢ In large groups, family units, or individually.
Migration
• Nomadic tribes move seasonally, hence not
considered migrants.
• Business or leisure travel is not migration
(temporary stay, no intent to settle).
• Migration can be:
➢ Voluntary: For better lifestyle.
➢ Forced: Due to political instability or epidemics.
UN Definition of Migration
• UN defines migration: Movement of a
person/persons from one place to another.
• Involves permanent (1 year or more) change of
address.
• Can be internal or international.
Why Do People Migrate?
Reasons for migration:
• Economical
• Environmental
• Socio-cultural
• Political
Migration types:
• Voluntary or Forced
• Temporary or Permanent
• National or International
Why Do People Migrate?
Migration driven by:
• Push and Pull factors
• Imbalance in economic activities and opportunities
Push and Pull Factors
Push Factors:
• Conditions in home area causing people to leave.
• Examples: Persecution, unemployment, poverty.
Pull Factors:
• Attractions in new area drawing people.
• Examples: Political asylum, promotions, high living
standards.
Types of Migration
• Migration types depend on:
➢ Number of people involved.
➢ Reasons for movement.
➢ Time spent migrating.
➢ Nature of migration.
Emigration: People move out of a country (emigrants).
Immigration: People move into a country (immigrants).
Illegal immigrants: People who enter without legal
permission.
Refugees and Forced Migration
• Refugees are migrants forced to move.
• Reasons: War, political instability, persecution.
• Seek asylum in other countries.
• Examples: Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea, Kosovo.
Top Countries Involved in Migration
Top Destination Countries: US, Russia, Germany, Saudi
Arabia, Canada, UK, Spain, France, Australia, India.
Top Countries with High Migration: Mexico, India,
Russia, China, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Pakistan, UK,
Philippines, Turkey.
Rural-Urban Migration (Internal Mig.)
Happens within a country.
People move from villages to cities for jobs.
Causes:
• Lack of jobs in rural areas.
• Mechanisation of farming.
• Low wages.
• Lack of healthcare, education.
• Better lifestyle in cities.
Outcomes of Rural-Urban Migration
• Urban growth: Cities expand in size.
• Urbanisation: More people live in cities.
• Rural depopulation: Skilled people leave villages.
• Problems: Slums, poverty, overpopulation.
• Positive Impact: Send money to homes
Migration and Delhi
• Delhi: Highest rural-urban migration in India.
• Reasons: Better wages, job opportunities.
Effects:
➢ Slums, JJ clusters, jhuggis.
➢ Overcrowding, poor sanitation.
➢ Crime and social issues.
Migration in China
• China’s economic transformation since 1978.
• Effects:
➢ Industrialisation.
➢ Cheap labour movement.
➢ Urban sector growth.
➢ Rural labour loss and demographic changes.
Urban-to-Urban Migration
• Moving from one city to another.
Reasons:
➢ Job opportunities.
➢ Education.
➢ Healthcare.
Example: USA's urban population ~80%.
Impact of Migration
Migration impacts both:
• Country of Origin.
• Destination (Host) Country.
Impacts can be:
• Economic.
• Social.
Economic Impact on Country of Origin
Advantages:
• Remittances improve local economy.
• Returnees bring new skills (languages, expertise).
• Less pressure on resources such as food, social
services.
Disadvantages:
• Brain drain: loss of skilled workforce.
• Less private investment; more govt. dependence.
Social Impact on Country of Origin
Advantages:
• Reduced population density.
• Remittances fund education, health.
• Returnees bring new cultural exposure.
Disadvantages:
• Family breakdowns.
• Dependency ratio increases.
• Social costs rise for support services, when migrants
return.
• Loss of cultural leadership & traditions.
Economic Impact on Host Country
Advantages:
• Migrants do low-skilled jobs.
• Host gains cheap skilled labor.
• Labor surplus boosts economy.
• Skill gaps filled.
• Some costs shifted back to origin country.
Disadvantages:
• Language barriers for migrant children.
• Over-dependence on migrant labor.
• Money often sent home, not spent locally.
• Increased strain on public services.
Social Impact on Host Country
Advantages:
•Multicultural societies promote tolerance.
•New businesses & services emerge (yoga centres,
restaurants with multi cuisines).
•Language learning & international skills improve.
Disadvantages:
•Gender imbalance in some cultures.
•Cultural identity loss in next generations.
•Ethnic segregation (e.g., Chinatowns).
Case Study — Push and Pull Factors
Working Together (Southern Europe)
Migration observed from Southern Europe (Italy, Spain,
Greece, Portugal) to Northern & Western Europe.
Push Factors (Reasons for leaving):
• Unemployment & underdevelopment.
• Poor economic conditions.
• Lack of career opportunities.
• Low salaries.
• Political instability.
Case Study — Push and Pull Factors
Working Together (Southern Europe)
Push Factors (Reasons for leaving):
• Political instability.
• Corruption & nepotism.
• Poor healthcare & pension security.
• Low intellectual, educational, professional
standards.
Case Study — Pull Factors for
Northern Europe
Pull Factors (Attractions for migrants):
• More democratic, inclusive societies.
• Meritocracy (no nepotism).
• Career growth & higher wages.
• Better public services: health, pensions, education.
• Family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity leave).
• Popular destinations: Germany, UK, Belgium,
Netherlands.
Changing Migration Patterns in
Europe
• EU migration is dynamic — always changing.
• Brexit & political shifts are affecting migrant flow.
• Right-wing sentiment rising in parts of Europe.
• Some countries (Ireland, Sweden) still attracting
migrants due to strong pull factors.
What is Brain Drain?
• Skilled people migrate from developing to
developed countries.
• Developed nations compete for highly skilled
immigrants to fill labor shortages.
• UN defines Brain Drain as "flight of talent" needed
for a country’s development.
Causes of Brain Drain
Push Factors
• Poor living conditions.
• Lack of jobs & low wages.
• Discrimination at work.
• Lack of freedom at work.
• Political unrest & wars.
• Poor education quality.
Causes of Brain Drain
Pull Factors:
• Better living standards.
• High salaries.
• Research opportunities.
• Modern technology & labs.
• Healthier working conditions.
• Political stability.
• World-class education.
Positive Impacts of Brain Drain
• Migrants gain knowledge, new skills abroad.
• Returnees bring back expertise & innovation.
• Remittances sent home improve home economy.
Negative Impacts of Brain Drain
• Loss of tax revenue.
• Loss of skilled workers & entrepreneurs.
• Shortage of healthcare, education services.
• Decline in innovation.
• Exodus: Loss of confidence in domestic economy.
How Can Brain Drain be Reduced?
• Create better job opportunities.
• Improve research & innovation.
• Raise wages to international standards.
• Provide better education quality.
• Encourage expatriates to support home country
(without full relocation).
Recent examples of Migration
• Ukraine Crisis (2022 – Ongoing)
• Venezuelan Migration (2014 – Ongoing)
• Rohingya Crisis (2017 – Ongoing)
• Climate Migration in Sub-Saharan Africa & South
Asia (Ongoing)
• Syrian Civil War (2011 – Ongoing, but reduced
now)
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