What Is Migration?

Definition Migration is defined as a permanent or semi- permanent change in where someone lives. For instance, if you and your family move to Australia due to your dad getting a job out there, you have all migrated. If you all go Australia for a three week holiday, then you have not migrated.

Reasons Some people migrate only for a short period. Turkish immigrant workers to Germany may only go there for a period of months. They have made a semi-permanent move so can be classified as migrants. People working as chalet-maids in a ski resort for the winter also could be classified as having made a semi-permanent migration.

Types Migrations fall into two groups: They can be voluntary (where the migrant decides to move) Or forced (where the migrant has little choice but to move).

The Migration Model Migration is the permanent or semi-permanent movement from one place to another. This can be within the same country, or be between countries. The country or place from which the migrant begins is called the origin. The country or place to which the migrant travels is called the destination. In between the origin and the destination the migrant is described as being en-route.

Making Decisions The decision to migrate can be a very complex one, or could simply be for one reason. The migration normally involves considering the positive aspects of the move (called the pull factors) and the negative reasons for the move (called the push factors).

Push Vs Pull Push factors are the things encouraging someone to move from a place. These include losing your job, having few friends remaining in the area, the cost of living, poor resources and no employment prospects. Pull factors are the things that entice someone to a new place. They could include such things as a warmer climate, better job prospects, a larger salary, better standard of living, more friends and family, better public services.

En-Route Factors En-route factors, or intervening obstacles, are things that might hinder the migration. These could include transport difficulties, passport and visa requirements and a lack of sufficient money to complete the migration.