MIGRATION: Introduction

Along with birth rates and death rates, one must also consider migration in order to accurately analyse population growth in a nation. 

Image: From the International Organization for Migration 

What is Migration? 

Migration can be defined as the temporary or permanent movement of people from one location to another. 

• Emigration is the process of a person migrating from one location to another. 
• Immigration differs as it is the process of migrating to a new location, from another. 

Causes of Migration

There are numerous factors that could lead someone to decide to migrate. These are called push factors. Some examples include: 

• War
• Political Instability 
• Natural Disasters 
• Lack of work opportunities 
• Lack of education opportunities

There are also factors that influence migrants to go to a specific location. These are known as pull factors. Some examples:

• Better job opportunities 
• Better work opportunities 
• Good healthcare 

Types of Migration 

Migration can be divided into 4 main categories:

1. Permanent Migration 

• External (international): This refers to the movement of migrants across national boundaries and and between countries. External migration can be either; 

                        Voluntary: Jamaican Citizens to U.S.A 

                                                            or

                        Involuntary (forced): African Slaves to the West Indies 

• Internal: This is the movement of migrants within a country.

                        Rural to Rural : St Elizabeth to Manchester 

                        Rural to Urban: Westmoreland to Kingston

                        Urban to Urban: Kingston to Portmore 

                        Urban to Rural: Portmore to St. Thomas 

                        Regional: Jamaica to Trinidad & Tobago 

2. Semi-Permanent: This is migration to another location for several years, with the intention to eventually return home. 

For example: Migrants who go abroad to go to University. 

3. Seasonal: This migration usually only lasts for a few months or weeks before the migrant returns home. 

For example: This can also be applied to university students (so internal migration by going to another state or parish to board and attend the university for a term). 

4. Daily: Refers to the movement of persons known as commuters. 

For example: Commuting from Spanish Town to Kingston daily for work. 

Important terms to note: 

• Gross Migration: Total number of migrants in and out of the country
• Migration Balance: Calculated difference between immigration and emigration 
• Net Migration Loss: When the there are more emigrants than immigrants