Introduction - What are the Causes and Effects of Migration?
The increase in unemployment around the world has led to people migrating for a good opportunity. The word migration means shifting from one place to another in search of a good lifestyle as well as satisfying work conditions that help you grow at your determined level.
In a nutshell, the causes of migration are often said to be linked to better human capital at both individual and household levels and with good access to migration networks. One of the reasons for human migration is the age factor. It’s because age is paramount for both work and non-work migration.
Often we see that the migration of people can be seen as individuals, in family units, or large groups.
There are four major kinds of migration that we get to learn on this page:
Invasion,
Conquest,
Colonization, and
Emigration/immigration.
We will also understand the causes of migration and in detail what happens when people migrate, along with the data illustrating the number of migration of people all across the world.
Human Migration: Its Causes and Effects
The major causes of migration happen because of the following reasons:
Lack of opportunities
Better education
Construction of dams & similar activities
Globalisation
Natural disasters, like flood or drought
Crop failure also leads people to shift to the city to meet their ends.
Marriage
Political Failures
Employment Opportunities
Travelling
Man Animal Conflict
Climate Change
Why Do People Migrate: Category of Human Migration
Depending on the purpose of relocation, people who migrate can be categorised into three forms: migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Each class is described extensively because the combined instances may arise and encourage someone to alternate their area.
Migrants
As such, migrants are historically defined as persons who change the country in their residence for preferred reasons and purposes. These purposes may also consist of the search for better job opportunities or healthcare needs. This time period is the most generally defined one as anyone changing their geographic area permanently can be considered migrants.
Refugees
Contrastly, refugees are not narrowly defined as persons who do not relocate willingly. The reasons for the refugees’ migration normally contain war actions in the country or other kinds of oppression, coming either from the government or non-governmental sources. Refugees are normally associated with people who need to unwillingly relocate as rapidly as possible; hence, such migrants will likely relocate undocumented.
Asylum Seekers
Asylum seekers are related to folks who additionally leave their country unwillingly, yet, who additionally do not achieve this beneath oppressing circumstances inclusive of war or death threats. The motivation to leave the country for asylum seekers may contain a volatile economic or political situation in the country or high rates of crime. Thus, asylum seekers relocate predominantly, intending to escape the degradation of the great in their lives.
Nomads
Nomadic movements are normally not regarded as migrations because the movement is generally seasonal. There's no long term aim to settle in the new place. Only some people have retained this form of lifestyle in modern times. Temporary movement for tourism, pilgrimages, or the commute is also not regarded as migration, in the absence of an aim to live and settle in the visited places.
Just like the two sides of a coin, there are causes and effects of migration, which we will understand now.
What Happens When People Migrate?
Migration is turning into a completely vital problem for the life of cities. Many possibilities and attractions of big cities pull massive numbers of people to large cities. Migration could have positive as well as poor effects on the life of the people.
Positive Impact
Unemployment has decreased and people have better job possibilities.
Migration helps in improving the quality of life of people.
It enables to improve the social life of human beings as they learn about a new culture, customs, and languages which helps to enhance brotherhood among human beings.
The migration of skilled employees results in the extra-economic growth of the region.
Children get higher possibilities for better education.
The population density is reduced, and the birth rate decreases.
Negative Impact
The lack of a person from rural regions affects the level of output and improvement of rural areas.
The inflow of workers in city areas increases competition for the job, houses, school facilities, etc.
Having a massive population puts an excessive amount of stress on natural resources, amenities, and services.
It is tough for a villager to survive in city areas due to the fact in city regions there are no natural surroundings and pure air. They need to pay for each and everything.
Migration changes the population of a place. Therefore, the distribution of the population is uneven in India.
Many migrants are illiterate and uneducated. Therefore, they are now no longer only unfit for most jobs. However, they also lack basic knowledge and life skills.
Poverty makes them unable to live normal and healthy lives.
Children growing up in poverty have no access to the right nutrition, education, or health.
Migration elevated the slum areas in cities, which bore many issues such as unhygienic conditions, crime, pollution, etc.
Sometimes migrants are exploited.
Data Highlights on People Migrating To Another Region/State/Country
Data highlights on people shifted to another country:
The World Migration Report from 1970 to 2020 has the following data:
In 2020, 281 million shifted is less than 4% of the overall world’s population. Additionally, between the period 2000 and 2020, the size of the migrant population abroad rose nearly for all countries and areas of the world.
However, among these, India marked the largest profit during that period (nearly 10 million), followed by Syria, Venezuela, China, and the Philippines. Also, Europe had the largest migrant population of 87 million.
Migration of People in India within States
Now, let us see the migration of people in India within states:
Please note that while computing variation, J and K were excluded in Census 2001. Also, as per Census 2001, Maharashtra received the largest number of migrants by place of birth from other states (7.9 mn), followed by Delhi (5.6 mn) and West Bengal (5.5 mn).
Indian Emigrants are Shared in the Following Numbers:
UAE - 3.5 mn
Saudi Arabia - 2.5 mn
The US - 2.7 mn
While other countries that host large numbers of migrants from India include:
Australia,
Canada,
Kuwait,
Oman,
Pakistan,
Qatar, and
The U.K.
Conclusion
Hence, from this context, we understand that migration is one of the fundamental reasons for growing a nuclear family wherein children develop up without a wider family circle. This, in turn, makes a person lonely and prone to diseases like depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. The cases are rising day by day and need to be addressed by giving good opportunities in all the regions equally. Otherwise, the situation will exacerbate our nation. It’s an hour of need!
FAQs on Causes and Effects of Human Migration
1. What is human migration, and what are its main types?
Human migration is the movement of people from one place to another with the intention of settling, either permanently or temporarily. This movement can be broadly categorised based on different criteria:
Internal Migration: This is when people move within the borders of their own country, for example, from a rural village to a city.
International Migration: This involves moving across national borders, from one country to another.
Voluntary Migration: This occurs when people choose to move, usually for better economic or educational opportunities.
Involuntary Migration: This is when people are forced to move due to circumstances beyond their control, such as war, political persecution, or natural disasters.
2. What are the primary causes that lead to human migration?
The primary causes of human migration can be grouped into four main categories. Economic factors are the most common, including seeking better employment, higher wages, or escaping poverty. Social factors involve moving to be closer to family or to access better education and healthcare. Political factors include fleeing from war, conflict, or persecution. Finally, environmental factors like natural disasters, famine, or the effects of climate change can also compel people to migrate.
3. What are the major effects of migration on the host country?
Migration has several significant effects on the host country (the destination). Positively, migrants can fill labour shortages, contribute to economic growth through their skills and entrepreneurship, and enrich the local culture, creating a more diverse society. However, potential challenges include increased pressure on public services like housing, schools, and healthcare, and the possibility of social tension if integration is not managed well.
4. How does migration affect the country of origin?
The country of origin also experiences both positive and negative effects. A major benefit is the inflow of remittances, which is money sent home by migrants that can significantly boost the national economy. Migration can also relieve unemployment pressure. The primary negative effect is the 'brain drain'—the loss of skilled and educated individuals like doctors and engineers, which can hinder the country's development. It can also lead to demographic imbalances, such as an ageing population left behind.
5. How do 'push' and 'pull' factors differ in explaining why people migrate?
'Push' and 'pull' factors are two complementary forces that explain the reasons for migration. They differ in their nature and point of origin:
Push factors are negative conditions in a person's home country that compel them to leave. These include issues like unemployment, poverty, political instability, war, and natural disasters.
Pull factors are positive attributes of a destination country that attract people to move there. These include better job opportunities, higher living standards, political freedom, safety, and family presence.
In essence, push factors are about escaping a negative situation, while pull factors are about being drawn toward a positive opportunity.
6. Can you explain the social and cultural impacts of migration beyond just economics?
Beyond economic effects, migration creates deep social and cultural changes. For the host country, it leads to a multicultural society, introducing new foods, music, languages, and traditions, which fosters cultural exchange and diversity. For the country of origin, the absence of young, active members can alter family structures and social norms. For migrants, there is often a complex process of cultural adaptation, where they navigate their identity by blending their heritage with the culture of their new home.
7. How does large-scale migration impact the demographics of both the origin and destination countries?
Large-scale migration significantly alters the demographic profile of both regions. The destination country often sees its working-age population increase and its average age decrease, as migrants tend to be young adults. This can provide a 'demographic dividend' that fuels the economy. Conversely, the country of origin may experience an ageing population and a skewed gender ratio, as it is often young men who migrate first. This can increase the dependency ratio, with fewer working people supporting more children and elderly citizens.
