Global Migration and Development

International migration

The movement of people across international borders to live temporarily or permanently in another country.

Global migration

The worldwide movement of people between countries, regions and continents.

Migrant flow

The movement of migrants from one place to another.

Inter-regional migration

Migration that occurs between different world regions, such as from Sub-Saharan Africa to Europe.

Intra-regional migration

Migration that occurs within the same world region, such as movement between EU countries.

Current global migration pattern

Most migration occurs between nearby countries, although significant flows also move from developing to developed regions.

Major global migration corridor

A well-established route along which large numbers of migrants move between places.

What factors influence migration flows?

Economic opportunities, conflict, environmental change, political instability, family connections and government policies.

What is the composition of migration?

The characteristics of migrants, such as age, gender, skill level, occupation and ethnicity.

Why are young adults overrepresented in migration?

They are more likely to seek employment, education and better economic opportunities.

Socio-economic development

The improvement of living standards, income, healthcare, education and quality of life.

How does poverty affect migration?

Extreme poverty can limit migration due to high costs, while moderate development often increases migration.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A measure of development based on life expectancy, education and income per person.

High HDI countries and migration

Often attract migrants because of better job opportunities, healthcare and education.

Low HDI countries and migration

Often experience higher levels of emigration as people seek better opportunities elsewhere.

Migrant remittances

Money sent home by migrants to family and friends in their country of origin.

Value of migrant remittances

Remittances can improve living standards, reduce poverty and support local development.

Positive impacts of remittances

Increased household income, improved education, better healthcare and investment in businesses.

Negative impacts of remittances

Dependency on overseas income and potential loss of skilled workers from source countries.

Relationship between migration and development

Development can both encourage migration and be influenced by migration through remittances and knowledge transfer.

How can migration promote growth?

Migrants fill labour shortages, increase productivity and contribute taxes.

How can migration promote stability?

Remittances and investment can reduce poverty and support economic resilience.

Flows of people

The movement of migrants between places.

Flows of money

Financial transfers such as remittances sent by migrants.

Flows of ideas

The transfer of knowledge, culture and innovation between places through migration.

Flows of technology

The movement of skills, expertise and technological knowledge between countries.

Brain drain

The emigration of highly skilled workers from one country to another.

Brain gain

The benefits received by destination countries from attracting skilled migrants.

Brain circulation

The movement of skilled migrants between countries, allowing knowledge and skills to be shared.

How does migration contribute to development in source countries?

Through remittances, investment, skills transfer and international connections.

How does migration contribute to development in destination countries?

By filling labour shortages, increasing economic output and contributing cultural diversity.

Key idea 1.a

Global migration involves dynamic flows of people between countries, regions and continents.

Key idea 1.a development link

Current patterns of international migration are linked to global patterns of socio-economic development.