migrant

A migrant is a person who moves from one place to another, within a country (internal migration) or across international borders (international migration). The term covers a wide range of movements, from short-term relocation to long-term settlement, and from voluntary relocation to forced displacement. A migrant's status is not fixed by the label itself and is distinct from related terms such as immigrant, emigrant, or refugee.

Migrants can be categorized by purpose and circumstances. Common types include labor migrants who move for work, seasonal workers, students, and family migrants who join relatives. Forced migrants include refugees fleeing persecution or conflict and internally displaced people who remain within their country. Some movements are temporary or circular, such as seasonal agricultural work, while others lead to permanent settlement.

Push factors drive people to leave (economic hardship, violence, environmental degradation), and pull factors attract them to destination areas (employment opportunities, safety, education). Networks, such as family and migrant communities abroad, also influence decisions and aid integration. International and domestic laws address migrant rights and protections, but frameworks vary widely. Documentation status—whether a migrant is documented or undocumented—often affects access to services, work, and mobility.

Impact assessments note both benefits and challenges. Migrants can contribute to economic growth through remittances and skill transfers, while destination communities may face integration demands. Origin regions may experience labor shortages or demographic shifts. Modern migration remains a complex phenomenon shaped by economic systems, policy regimes, and global mobility patterns.