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Human migration is a very prominent practice in today鈥檚 reality. As per the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) report, the global international immigrant numbers were estimated to be approx 281 million, i.e., 3.5 % of the global population (as of July 1, 2020).

What are the most important reasons for migration or causes for this willingness? Let's explore the meaning of migration, the classifications of migration, and the top 10 reasons for migration.

First things first, let鈥檚 understand what exactly migration is. Migration, in layman鈥檚 language, means the movement of a person from one place to another; this can be internal or international. Migration would not necessarily be by choice or willingness, but rather forced out of situations.

Reasons for Migration: How are they Classified?

Migration occurs for a wide range of socio-economic, political, and environmental reasons. Understanding the different types of migration helps us analyse how population movements shape labour markets, urbanization, and global demographics. Each type involves distinct causes and impacts on both the origin and destination regions.

• Internal Migration:听This refers to the movement of people within a country鈥檚 borders, often from rural to urban areas. In India, for example, over 450 million people are internal migrants, driven largely by job opportunities in metro cities.
• International Migration:听This involves crossing national borders to settle in another country, either temporarily or permanently. In 2020, the UN reported over 280 million international migrants worldwide, with the highest numbers moving for employment and education.
• Voluntary Migration:听Occurs when individuals or groups choose to relocate based on improved living standards, career prospects, or education. IT professionals moving from India to the U.S. for tech jobs is a prime example of voluntary migration.
• Forced Migration:听Driven by conflict, persecution, or natural disasters, forced migration displaces individuals against their will. According to UNHCR, over 117 million people were forcibly displaced globally in 2023 due to war, violence, and climate crises.
• Seasonal Migration:听Temporary migration based on agricultural or climatic cycles; for instance, farm labourers in Maharashtra migrating during the sugarcane harvesting season. It directly supports regional economies during peak labour demands.
• Urban to Rural Migration:听Though less common, this type involves people moving from cities to villages, often for remote work or sustainable living. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a noticeable rise in reverse migration due to urban job losses and health concerns.

Also Read:听What is The Difference Between Migration and Immigration?

Top 10 Reasons for Migration

Some individuals relocate in pursuit of employment or economic prospects, to reunite with family, or to pursue education. Others move to escape conflict, persecution, or significant human rights abuses. Additionally, some people are driven to move due to the negative impacts of climate change, natural disasters, or other environmental factors.

So, what are the main reasons for migration? Let's find out.

1. For Education Purposes

Education is one of the primary economic reasons for migration. The recent stats that highlight this cause of migration are:

• Studying abroad has gained tremendous interest among youngsters. Some opt for it to have better quality education, while some opt for exploring new places and living.
• According to a 2023 Indian Student Mobility Report, about 13,00,000 Indian students travelled abroad for different educational purposes.
• According to the study of 2021, the UAE attracted the highest number of Indian students, followed by Canada and the USA.
• 70% of Indian students move abroad in search of specialized courses compared to the 30% who enroll for degree courses.
• Another vital, unforgettable statistic is that 80% of Indian students moving abroad are for graduation, which is influenced by their elders, and only about 20% are for postgraduate studies, which they opt for themselves.

Quick Read:听7 Best Countries To Study Abroad for Indian Students

2. For Career Enhancement

Yet other economic reasons for migration is seeking better career prospects. The recent stats that highlight this cause of migration are:

• Willing to work abroad for a long time has been considered elite in the Indian context. Irrespective of the professions, people are willing to migrate abroad, be it to explore new places, better employment opportunities, for stability in life (economic gains), etc.
• According to a report by The Economic Times, more than 66% of Indians are seeking to work abroad.
• Under the best destination for migrants category in the World Happiness Report, the USA ranks 16th after Finland, Canada, and among the best origin countries, India ranks 133rd.

Also Read:听Which Country Has More Job Opportunities For Indians?

3. Overpopulation

Overpopulation is another economic reason for migration, affecting growth and better career prospects. The recent stats that highlight this cause of migration are:

• Overpopulation is one of the growing concerns of developing and underdeveloped countries. The increased population, thus resulting in fewer opportunities or low wages, is one of the major causes of migration among Indian citizens.
• In the present times, an increasing population is one of the growing concerns and causes of immigration in the developing countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• The International Migrant Stock Report 2019 states India is one of the top sources of international migrants, constituting about 6.4% of the total migrant population, i.e. about 17.5 million in number.

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4. Religious or Social Reasons

The social reasons for migration are also one of the major factors considered. The relevant stats to support this reason are as follows:

• It is general for us humans to have the willingness to reside among our community or religious groups.
• The Push factor involved here is a feeling of insecurity that is driving individuals.
• For example, in the scenarios of Kashmir pandits and Punjabi, Hindus are migrating out of J&K and Punjab, respectively, and Muslims are moving out of Hindu-dominated areas to Muslim-dominated areas/ countries.

5. Poverty

Poverty is one of the major factors badly affecting the Indian economy and the main reason for migration. It is a condition where an individual household is not even able to meet basic living requirements. It can be a result of various reasons like low wages, constant increases in prices, unemployment, lack of awareness, etc.

• India has been witnessing a decline in poverty, but this has been at a very slow pace, and still, 20.8% (as of 2020) of the Population accounts for below-the-poverty-line families.
• Rural India witnesses massive migration (males) of skilled workforce aiming to at least be able to provide a standard of living to their families.
• 2019 statistics indicate that there are more than 169 million migrant workers worldwide.
• Indians鈥� most preferred destination of international migration is the UAE and Gulf countries, and 70% of Indian skilled worker migrants belong to UP and Bihar.

Check Out:听11 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025

6. For Better Healthcare Facilities

Health care is the fundamental right of every individual. Even though the technological advancement that India witnessed, people are willing to go abroad for better healthcare services.

• The Economic Times reports that as of 2021, there was a 20% increase in visa queries, with respect to the individuals willing to move abroad to attain better and safer health care services.
• The queries were not just for the USA, Canada, and Australia but also for less popular countries like New Zealand, Germany, the UK, etc., as well.

7. Political Causes

Policies and country stability are other major reasons for migration as individuals seek safety and well-being.

• The migrants under this cause are the ones who are in search to experience political freedom compared to the restrictive lives back in their origin countries.
• Political push factors that are influencers are persecutions based on political identification, policy changes, or civil wars.
• For example, the recent Agriculture Policy changes made in India are believed to negatively impact with respect to the cultivators, resulting in a change of livelihood. Sri Lanka is one of the best examples of the political and economic crisis of 2022.

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8. War or Conflict Zones

War is one of the rare factors, which only includes push factors of migration. It is typically the scenario where the individual does not have much of a choice, rather to move or migrate and, most of the time, become a refugee.

• This is a situation where the choices, aspirations, and willingness of individuals do not have a role and the sole focus is to make it a place to secure lives.
• The recent Ukraine and Russia war has shown us how adversely wars affect the lives and livelihood of people not only in the war countries but as well have a huge impact on the other countries having business or dependencies with them.

Suggested Reading:听13 Safest Country in The World For Indian Immigrants

9. Environmental Factors

The environment has always been a driving factor for migrators; these include natural disasters like floods, droughts, earthquakes, climate changes, etc.

• The International Organization for Migration defines environmental migrants as the ones who are obliged to leave their origins or home as a result of sudden or progressive environmental changes or conditions, as it has caused a major affect to their living conditions and lives. This movement could be temporarily or permanently, to internal (within the country) or international (abroad) migration.
• The estimates for these migrants are quite difficult. However, IOM states that the numbers could reach 1 billion by the end of 2050.

10. The 鈥榃hy NOT?鈥� Factor

One of the most unique causes of migration is the why not me factor. The reasons for these include:

• As funny and bizarre as it might sound, there is a good set or chunk of people who migrate with the factor of why not try or explore something new. Also, sometimes out of influence, as if the other can go what鈥檚 wrong in me going or moving.
• Basically, these are the migrants prone to influence, be it friends, family or surrounding people.

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Impacts of Migration on Host and Origin Countries

Migration directly influences both the countries migrants leave and the ones they settle in, affecting labour markets, public services, and demographic profiles. These impacts are measurable in economic terms and visible in long-term population trends. Below are the most critical effects on both sending and receiving nations.

• Economic Boost in Host Countries:听Migrants fill labour shortages in key sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and construction. In the U.S., foreign-born workers made up 18.1% of the labor force in 2022, driving productivity and tax contributions.

• Remittances Strengthen Origin Economies:听Countries like Nepal and the Philippines rely heavily on remittances, which make up over 10% of their GDP. These funds are essential for household spending, education, and local investments.

• Brain Drain in Origin Countries:听Developing countries often lose skilled professionals to richer nations, weakening sectors like healthcare and education. For example, nearly 75,000 India-trained doctors were practicing in OECD countries in 2022.

• Pressure on Urban Infrastructure in Host Countries:听Sudden population growth in host cities can strain housing, public transport, and healthcare systems. European cities like Berlin and Stockholm have faced rising rents and longer service wait times due to migrant influxes.

• Demographic Balance and Aging Population Mitigation:听Migration helps offset aging populations in countries like Japan and Germany. By 2035, Germany鈥檚 workforce is projected to shrink without sustained immigration levels.

Also Read:听Top 10 Reasons Why Indian Students Go Abroad To Study

Migrants and Sustainable Development Goals

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development acknowledges the crucial role that migrants play in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. Central to this Agenda is the principle of听鈥渓eaving no one behind鈥�,听which also encompasses migrants.

Several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the agenda include targets and indicators directly related to migration and migrants, urging nations to 鈥減romote orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people鈥�. This emphasizes the importance of implementing well-planned and effective migration policies in nations.

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Though there are many more micro factors that can be named and the list is surely very long. Migration has an undoubted impact on the individual or the family, no matter the cause of migration. Many times, migrants emigrate because they cannot live without or miss their family. This shows migration is not a result of totally or majorly an economic factor or political factor, but rather on emotional terms and attachments.

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