1.a. Global migration involves dynamic flows of people between countries, regions
and continents.
Current spatial patterns in the numbers, composition and direction of
international migrant flows, including examples of both inter-regional and
intra-regional.
Global migration refers to the movement of people across international
borders for various reasons; economic, social, political, or environmental.
These movements have become more complex and widespread due to
globalization, improved transport and communication, and shifting geopolitical
and economic circumstances.
Migration flows can be analysed in terms of:
Volume (numbers of people)
Composition (age, gender, skills, status)
Direction (where migrants come from and go to)
Types of Migration Flows
Inter-regional migration: Movement between world regions (e.g. Asia to
Europe).
Intra-regional migration: Movement within a world region (e.g. within
the EU or within West Africa).
Current Spatial Patterns of International Migrant Flows
1. Inter-Regional Migration Examples
a. Asia → North America/Europe
Drivers: Better employment, education, healthcare, political stability.
Examples:
o India, China, Philippines → USA and Canada.
o Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq → Europe (particularly Germany and
Sweden during refugee crises).
Impacts:
o High remittances sent back to origin countries.
o Brain drain in origin countries; labour shortages in key sectors.
o Multiculturalism and integration challenges in destination
countries.
, b. Sub-Saharan Africa → Europe
Drivers: Poverty, conflict, climate change, unemployment.
Examples:
o Migrants from Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan using Mediterranean
routes to reach Italy or Spain.
Trends:
o Often irregular migration.
o Increased EU border control measures.
o Risky routes; humanitarian issues like drownings and
exploitation.
2. Intra-Regional Migration Examples
a. Within the European Union
Drivers: Freedom of movement within the EU, economic opportunities.
Examples:
o Migration from Eastern Europe (e.g. Poland, Romania, Bulgaria)
→ Western Europe (e.g. UK, Germany, France).
Composition:
o Often young working-age adults seeking employment.
o Seasonal agricultural and construction workers.
b. Within Southeast Asia
Drivers: Regional inequalities in income and job opportunities.
Examples:
o Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia → Thailand, Malaysia,
Singapore.
Issues:
o Many migrants are undocumented.
o Often work in informal sectors with limited rights.
c. Within West Africa
Drivers: ECOWAS agreement allows free movement of people.
Examples: