Human Migration: Understanding Causes, Types and Net Growth

Migration movements are movements of people from their countries of origin to others that may be permanent or temporary.

• The movement from the place of origin to a destination is called emigration. The person who performs it is an emigrant.
• In the place of destination, the arrival of people from other countries receives the name of immigration. People arriving are called immigrants.

The difference between immigrants and emigrants in a region is net migration. Immigrants, as they provide an effective increase, add to the total population, while emigrants who leave must be subtracted.

Net migration = Immigration - Emigration

• If the number of immigrants is higher than that of emigrants, net migration is positive and the population increases.
• If the reverse happens, the migratory balance is negative and the population declines.

The real growth of a population cannot be determined without taking into account these data. Thus, this growth is calculated by adding the natural increase to the net migration.

Causes of Migration

The main causes are:

1. Economic: The place of origin does not provide sufficient resources or jobs.
2. Social: Persecution for ideological or religious reasons, war, etc. People who move forced by these circumstances are given the name refugees.
3. Natural: These are forced displacements due to natural disasters such as droughts, earthquakes, floods, etc.

Types of Migration

Migration by Destination

• Interior: If occurring within the same country; for example, the rural-to-urban movement (rural exodus).
• Foreign: If they go to other countries; for example, from Morocco to Spain.

Migration by Duration

• Seasonal: If they last a few months before the migrant returns to their place of origin, such as during harvest time.
• Temporary: If they only last a year or more, such as displacement for work or study.
• Definitive: If the migrant is settled permanently at the selected site as a destination.

Commuting from a residence to a work or study center (swings) is not considered migration, as it is not accompanied by a change of residence.

Migration by Reason

• Voluntary: If the initiative to move comes from the individual.
• Forced: If the person is required to act.