Causes of international economic migration

International economic migration refers to the movement of people across national borders primarily for economic reasons, such as employment opportunities, higher wages, or better living standards. This topic is central to understanding globalisation, as it highlights the interconnectedness of labour markets and the uneven distribution of economic opportunities. In the WJEC A-Level Geography syllabus, it is studied within the context of global systems and governance, where students explore how economic disparities drive migration flows and how these flows, in turn, shape economies and societies.

The causes of international economic migration are rooted in push and pull factors. Push factors include unemployment, low wages, poverty, and lack of career prospects in origin countries, often exacerbated by political instability or environmental degradation. Pull factors include higher wages, better working conditions, demand for labour in sectors like agriculture, construction, or technology, and the promise of upward social mobility. Students must also consider intervening obstacles, such as immigration policies, travel costs, and cultural barriers, which can hinder migration despite strong economic incentives.

This topic is significant because it connects to broader geographical themes like development, inequality, and globalisation. Understanding why people migrate economically helps explain patterns of urbanisation, remittance flows, and labour market dynamics in both sending and receiving countries. For example, the migration of healthcare workers from low-income to high-income countries (brain drain) has profound implications for development. Mastery of this topic enables students to critically evaluate migration policies and their impacts on global inequality.