Question

Using examples, discuss the main determinants of migration.

Answer 1

Broadly migration factors can be divided into–

1. Economic factor: The push factor for these citizens can be poverty, low wages and unemployment. For e.g. Often those who migrate from poorer countries like African and South Asian countries face severe economic hardships. They’re pulled by factors like higher wages and better standard of living.

2. Political factor: Civil unrest and war can lead to many citizens becoming refugees as it leads to massive loss of life and property in a country. This becomes a natural factor due to which people migrate to politically stable countries. For e.g. The recent war in Syria has pushed Syrian to migrate to Europe and other developed countries.

3. Socio-cultural factors: Often discrimination based on ethnicity, religion or color can also result in migration to other countries. Ethnic cleansing in African countries has been one of the reasons why Africans moved to nearby countries where they felt safe.