What is migration?

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another. Migration can be within a country or between countries. Migration can be permanent, temporary or seasonal. Migration happens for a range of reasons. These can be economic, social, political or environmental. Push and pull factors drive migration. Migration impacts both the place left behind and the place where migrants settle. These impacts can be both positive and negative.

Some people decide to migrate, e.g. someone who moves to another country to improve their career opportunities. Some people are forced to migrate, e.g. someone who moves due to famine or war.

A refugee has left their home and does not have a new one. Often refugees do not carry have possessions with them and do not know where they will finally settle.