Unit-3. d.
Migration
The movement of people away from the place of their usual
residence, either across an international border or within a
state is called migration, but here we are only talking about
international migration.
International movements with an intention to stay in the
destination country for more than one year can be classified
as international migration (United Nations).
Migration is not a new phenomenon, it has been happening
for centuries, People move for many reasons:
o By choice- for tourism, jobs, business, sports, public
events, or education.
o By force- when people feel unsafe or are trying to
escape problems in their home country.
International Migration can be of different types, depending
on where people are moving:
o Immigration- Inward migration to a country- Immigrants
are moving in people.
o Emigration- outward migration from a country-
Emigrants are moving out people.
o Return migration- Going back to your home country.
o Seasonal migration- Moving during certain times of the
year, usually for work or due to weather.
o Refugees: People who are forced to leave their country
in order to escape war, persecution on the basis of race,
religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in
a certain social group or Natural disaster.
Countries manage migration by dividing migrants into
different groups. Based on their status, migrants get different
levels of rights and protections.
o Regular migrants: These people enter the country
though legal process, with permission (like a visa). They
are seen as legitimate and get more rights and
protection.
Regular migrants have a safer and more respectful life.
They can contribute better to the society and economy
of the country they live in.
o Irregular (or illegal/undocumented) migrants: These
people enter the country illegally, without permission.
Irregular migrants face a lot of challenges:
They often live in fear of being caught or deported.
They might not get fair wages or good working
conditions.
They can be excluded, exploited, and abused, and
they usually have no way to ask for help.
🌍 What Are Migration Drivers?
When people decide to move (or not move), many different factors influence them. People
don’t make migration decisions in a vacuum.
These factors are called migration drivers, and they are often interconnected.
⚙️Types of Drivers
The different types of drivers that compels peoples to migrate are as follows:
🔵 Macro-Level Drivers – Large-scale, societal-level factors:
Dimension Examples of Driving Factors
------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Demographics Population size, population composition, and dynamics
Economics Job opportunities, business conditions, poverty, standard of living
Environment Climate change, natural disasters, pollution, environmental damage
Human Development Education standards, healthcare quality
Security War, violence, persecution, threats
Politics Government policies, repression, regime changes
Supranational Globalisation, international relations, colonial histories
Institutional/Policy Public services, laws, migration policies, civil rights
🟠 Meso-Level Drivers – Community or social influences:
Dimension Examples of Driving Factors
---------------- --------------------------------------------------------
Socio- Family or friends already abroad, community pressure, cultural expectations,
Cultural gender related roles
These are things that influence whether people feel comfortable or encouraged to migrate.
🟢 Micro-Level Drivers – Individual or personal reasons:
Dimension Examples of Driving Factors
-------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
Personal aspirations and goals, skills, experience, age, gender, health,
Individual
attitudes about migration
These drivers create Push and Pull factors that compels one
to migrate.
Push factors- Negative factors in home country
causing out migration.
Pull factors- Positive factors in host country
attracting migration.
MIGRATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Human rights are basic rights and freedoms that every
person has, no matter:
Which country they’re from
Whether they are citizens or not
What their legal status is (legal migrant, refugee,
undocumented, stateless etc.)
These rights include things like:
The right to life
Freedom and safety
Access to food, shelter, education, and healthcare
Protection from violence or abuse
Sometimes, people are forced to leave their home country
because their lives are in danger. This might happen because
of:
War
Violence
Political persecution
Discrimination
Natural disasters
In these cases, going back home is not a safe option. These
people are usually called refugees or forcibly displaced
persons.
📌 In such situations, it is the duty of the country they move
to (host country):
Not to send them back, especially if returning would put
their life or freedom at serious risk.
To provide them protection and support, according to
international law.
WHY MIGRATION IS A PROBLEM
Migration is no longer just seen as a way to improve the
economy or society—it’s increasingly seen as a security issue
or even a threat. This change is called “securitization of
migration.”
Migration is seen as Problem and Security concern for
countries for following reasons:
1. Concern About Sovereignty
Migration can also happen as irregular migrants,
countries don’t want people to just enter freely without
permission.
They believe that letting anyone cross the border
without control can be seen as a threat to their
authority and independence.
This is called a violation of sovereignty—when a country
feels it is losing control over its own land and laws.
2. Conflict Between Countries
Migration can lead to tensions between the migrant’s
home country and the host country, especially if people
are facing war, violence, or poverty.
3. Security Concerns
Countries worry that people coming in might pose a
danger—for example, they could be involved in crime or
terrorism.
So, states put restrictions on who can come in, to
protect national security.
4. Economic Costs
Many countries today are welfare states, which means
the government provides things like:
o Healthcare
o Education
o Support for the elderly, children, and poor people
If too many migrants come in, governments have to
spend more on these services.
5. Resource Sharing and Competition
Immigrants often compete with local people for jobs,
houses, schools, and healthcare, or simply for the
limited resources of that country.
This makes it harder for governments to ensure fair
access for everyone.
Some citizens may feel that immigrants are taking away
jobs, housing, education, or medical care that should go
to citizens. Ex- USA.
This can lead to unrest, anger, or even violence
6. Cultural Concerns
Some conservative groups or native citizens are afraid
that if too many people from different cultures come in,
their own national culture, language, traditions or
identity might change or be lost.
They worry about losing their national identity.
This is often used by political groups to argue for stricter
border controls.
Why Has Migration Increased So Much?
Here are some key reasons:
1. New Countries Were Formed
When large countries broke apart in the early 1990s,
many people who were earlier considered internal
migrants (moving within one country) became
international migrants (moving between different
countries).
o Examples:
USSR (Russia and nearby states) broke up in
1991
2. Population Growth
More people in the world means more people looking
for better jobs, education, safety, and other
opportunities in other countries.
3. Technology and Transport
Airplanes, mobile phones, and the internet have made it
easier and cheaper for people to move and stay in touch
with their families, making it easier to take decision to
migrate.
4. Globalization
The world has become more connected in every aspect,
making migration more common for work, business,
study, or even safety.
How has globalization impacted the pattern of
international migration
Globalization means the world is becoming more connected.
Countries are sharing more trade, technology, culture, ideas,
and information than ever before. This affects how people
live, work, and travel.
📦 How Globalization Changed Migration Patterns:
1. Easier Travel and Communication
Cheaper and faster air travel makes it simpler for people
to move across countries.
Mobile phones, internet, and social media help
migrants stay connected with family back home and
helps people willing to migrate to learn about jobs,
study or life in other countries.
2. More Job Opportunities Worldwide
Big global companies (MNCs) and industries need
workers in many different countries where they set their
branches.
People move to find better jobs, especially in richer or
more developed countries for higher pays.
3. More Student Migration
Globalization has connected universities and schools
across borders.
Globalization has opened opportunities for students for
students to study in any foreign university, many big
universities often run promotional and scholarship
programmes to attract international students.
Many students move to study abroad, hoping for better
education and after that better job chances, many of
them settle in that country only after their studies.
4. Global Demand for Skills
Countries often need workers with specific skills (like
doctors, engineers, chefs or caregivers), and people
migrate to fill those needs.
5. Cultural Exchange and Openness
People are more exposed to cultures and life in other
countries through movies, music, and social media
which influence them.
This makes them more curious and comfortable about
living in different countries.
6. Movement of Money and Ideas
Migrants can now easily send money (remittances) back
home through online banking.
They also bring back new ideas, skills, and experiences,
which can change their home country.