What is Migration?

Theoretically, migration can be seen as a simple process that consists of three phases: where a person comes from, where they are going, and where they end up. 1 2. Migration is also about the how a person travels; the length of time they are away; why they left in the first place; the relationships they maintain with home while they are away and how far they are from home. Migration is often cyclical or seasonal, as people return home for periods of time.

When a person is deciding on whether leave their country of origin a combination of "push" and "pull" factors determine where to go, how to go and for how long. Push Factors, such as political unrest, war, persecution, famine, social upheaval, lack of opportunities and lack of infrastructure are what encourage people to leave. Pull Factors, such as economic prosperity, political stability, professional opportunities and labour shortages are what encourage people to come to a country.