Definitions of net migration, immigration and emigration

Published by Patrick Mutisya · 14 days ago

IGCSE Economics 0455 – Economic Development: Population

Economic Development – Population

Objective

Define the following terms:

  • Net migration
  • Immigration
  • Emigration

Key Definitions

Immigration

Immigration is the movement of people into a country or region with the intention of residing there for a period of time, which may be temporary or permanent.

Emigration

Emigration is the movement of people out of a country or region to settle in another country or region, either temporarily or permanently.

Net Migration

Net migration is the difference between the number of immigrants and the number of emigrants over a given period:

\$\text{Net Migration} = \text{Immigrants} - \text{Emigrants}\$

A positive net migration indicates a population gain, while a negative net migration indicates a population loss.

Comparison of Terms

AspectImmigrationEmigrationNet Migration
Direction of movementInto the countryOut of the countryDifference between the two
Effect on populationIncreases populationDecreases populationPositive = increase; Negative = decrease
Typical measurement periodAnnual or quarterlyAnnual or quarterlySame period as immigration and emigration data

Suggested diagram: Flow chart showing immigration, emigration, and net migration for a country.