Each year, December 18th marks International Migrants’ Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the millions of people who leave their homes in search of better opportunities, safety or a brighter future. Migration is a global phenomenon, which comes in many forms. Whether moving for economic reasons, fleeing conflict or seeking new opportunities, migrants contribute significantly to both their home and host countries.
The journey of migration has its own challenges. Migrants often face unique hardships, from language barriers to legal uncertainties and it’s crucial that we understand their stories and the complexities of their experiences.
Here’s a deep dive into the different types of migrants, the issues they face and how migration impacts economic growth.
The different types of migrants
Migrants are a diverse group and their reasons for moving can vary greatly. Let’s look at some of the primary categories of migrants:
- Economic migrants: These are individuals who move to another country in search of better economic opportunities, such as higher-paying jobs or improved living standards. Many economic migrants send money back to their families to help with education, healthcare and daily expenses. According to the World Bank, money transfers for low and middle-income countries (LMICs) grew by an estimated 3.8% in 2023, reaching $669 billion. This growth, though slower than in previous years, underscores the resilience of money transfer flows despite global economic challenges.
- Refugees and asylum seekers: These are people forced to leave their home countries due to conflict, persecution or violence. Refugees and asylum seekers often face dangerous journeys and uncertain futures as they seek safety and protection in foreign lands. They may require immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter and legal aid.
- Internal migrants: These individuals move within their home country, typically from rural areas to urban centers. Internal migration often occurs for economic reasons, such as seeking better jobs or access to education and healthcare. Though they may face challenges related to displacement and adaptation to urban environments, internal migration tends to offer more connectivity and a less complicated process compared to international migration.
- Transnational migrants: Transnational migrants are individuals who maintain strong social, economic and cultural ties with both their home and host countries. They often migrate with the intention of maintaining dual lives, sending money, maintaining relationships and even returning to their home countries regularly. This group is increasingly growing, especially with the rise of global connectivity and easier access to communication and financial services. However, transnational migrants face challenges such as navigating complex immigration laws, maintaining their familial roles from a distance and dealing with the pressures of balancing two different cultural identities.
The growing relevance of transnational migration
Transnational migration is rapidly growing as global connectivity increases. With digital tools and communication platforms, migrants can easily stay in touch with family members, support them financially and even engage in businesses across borders.
However, transnational migrants also face unique challenges that make their migration experience distinct:
- Legal and social barriers: Transnational migrants often live between two countries navigating different immigration policies, legal systems and labor markets that can get difficult.
- Emotional strain: Being separated from family for long periods can lead to emotional stress, especially when children and spouses are involved. The absence of family members in critical life events can take a toll on the migrant’s well-being.
- Cultural adaptation: Balancing two cultures can lead to feelings of disconnection or identity conflict. Transnational migrants often face the challenge of integrating into a new culture while trying to maintain their own cultural traditions.
Internal vs. international migration
While both internal and international migration provide opportunities, they come with distinct trade-offs. One of the major differences between the two is the level of connectivity and economic impact:
- Internal migration: Moving from rural to urban areas within the same country allows migrants to stay close to their families, maintaining strong social connections. The trade-off, however, may be a lack of higher income or opportunities. Though urban areas often offer better job prospects, internal migrants may not send as much money home as international migrants do, limiting their ability to improve the standard of living for family members.
- International migration: In contrast, international migrants tend to earn higher wages due to the economic disparity between countries. This means they can send home money that can significantly impact their families’ quality of life. In fact, studies show that spouses left behind by migrant workers tend to report higher levels of happiness, primarily due to the financial security and opportunities that money transfers provide. International migrants also contribute to the host country’s economy by filling labor gaps, particularly in industries that require low-skilled workers.
According to a 2019 study by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), money sent by migrants have a significant multiplier effect on their home communities. These funds are primarily used to improve education, healthcare and local economies, thereby fostering a more stable and prosperous environment.
The bigger picture – Why migration matters
Migrants play an invaluable role in the global economy, enriching their host countries and contributing significantly to their home nations through money transfers. But the journey is not without its challenges. Whether internal or international, migration requires careful navigation of social, economic, and legal hurdles. At Western Union, we are proud to be a part of this journey, offering reliable, accessible and efficient services that help migrants stay connected and support their families.
As you send money through Western Union, remember that you are part of something much larger than a transaction. You are empowering families, strengthening communities, and supporting a global movement toward opportunity and growth. On International Migrants’ Day, let us honor the resilience, courage and hope of migrants worldwide.
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