Global Systems: Option B - Global Migration

Since Homo Sapiens dispersed across Africa and beyond some 70,000 years ago, people have been on the move. They travelled in search of sustainable sources of food, water and shelter. Watch this clip. Fast forward to the present day and the word `migration` conjures up all together different images…

First images that appeared in google. What perception does this create?

What have you heard or seen on the news about migration? What are your views on migration?

Key Question: What are the contemporary patterns of global migration? Key Idea 1a: Global migration involves dynamic flows of people between countries, regions and continents. Learning Objectives: To analyse current spatial patterns in the numbers, composition and direction of international migrant flows..

Complete your key word sheet so far In 2015, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), 244 million people (3.3% of world population) were living outside their country of origin. The global migration system is dynamic. Flows of people are constantly changing in number, direction of movement and in demographic and ethnic composition. As globalisation proceeds into the twenty-first century, there is greater connectivity and growth in the number of places of origin and destination for international migrants. The reasons for migration are diverse and the decisions of potential international migrants depend on many factors: Economic Migrants: Globally these are the majority of migrants. They are seeking work and social opportunities, often sending money back to their family, known as migrant remittances. Refugees: People fleeing the country of their nationality or usual domicile because of genuine fear of death or persecution. These are growing in number as are asylum seekers: a person who seeks entry to another country by claiming to be a refugee. Complete your key word sheet so far

Present Day Migration: There is a lack of uniformity on how countries define a `migrant, but the United Nations uses the following: Long-term migrant is a person who moves to a country other than his or her usual residence for a period of at least a year. Short-term migrant is a person who moves for at least three months but less than a year Add to your key word sheet

International migration occurs at different scales Between neighbouring countries (eg Germany to France) Across the globe (eg UK to Australia) Between major global regions (Africa and Europe) Discuss the patterns of migration shown with a partner

International Migration Involves relatively long distance movements between countries: It is one element of total population change in a country: What are the problems with identifying population change? Population change = (births-deaths) international migration. + - Migration figures are estimates Difficulty defining an international migrant Lack of uniformity creates difficulty in obtaining accurate, comparable and reliable statistics. Mass numbers of undocumented, illegal migrations.

Net Migration: Refers to the difference between numbers of immigrants and emigrants for a particular country. 2016 = +273,000 2015 = +332,000 2014 = +318,000 Why do you think the migration figures are only estimates? Its difficult to define an international migrant Lack of uniformity across countries makes it difficult to obtain accurate, reliable and comparable statistics There are many undocumented, illegal migrations

Which EU countries do you think had the largest net migration gain in 2013? Italy (1.18 million) and Germany (466,254) Why? Which EU countries do you think had the largest net migration loss in 2013? Spain (265,849) and Greece (52,000)

Numbers, Composition & Direction: The scale and direction of international migration and the composition of migrant flows are complex and can be demonstrated by: Emigration: permanent departure of a person from one country to live in another Immigration: entrance of a person into with the aim of living there permanently Add to your key word sheet

Numbers, composition and direction of international migration Use figure 7.2 to describe the global pattern of origin of immigrants living in the UK, 2013. (remember to include names of countries / regions of the world and figures) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using choropleth maps to represent spatial patterns of international migration?

Numbers, composition and direction of international migration In 2013, 5.1 million people born in the UK lived abroad and there were 7.8 million foreign born people living in the UK. How can you explain the trends in the table?

Main reasons for UK people moving abroad (emigrants) Employment opportunities – The majority were of working age, including a high proportion in managerial positions so economic migrants. Retirement – High UK house prices enable many to sell up and live more cheaply abroad. Often with a warm climate and good quality of life. Family reunification – moving to join relatives overseas.

Main reasons for people migrating to the UK Ex colonies – EG India Fellow EU countries (this may now change!!)– eg Poland Business/job/ work opportunities (economic migrants) Education Family reunification Of the foreign-born population living in the UK, Asian countries are the origin of most immigrants. The largest diaspora is by far the Indian population, many living in London. Diaspora is the spread of an ethnic or national group from their homeland e.g. Jews from Israel or Kurds from Kurdistan

Main reasons for people migrating to the UK The composition of the immigrant population can be analysed according to gender and ethnic origin. Who do you think make up the majority of immigrants? Which region of the UK do you think has the largest number of immigrants?

Describe the trends in the graph. Remember to comment on: Total population Numbers of males compared to females Include: Dates and figures. Correct terminology – fluctuates / peaks / rises rapidly/ doubled….. Tip! Its always easiest to start by annotating the graph and using a ruler to mark on key points.

London has a very diverse ethnic population and the largest number of immigrants of all regions in the UK (36.2 %)

Knowledge Checklist What is the Un definition of an international migrant? What is meant by the term net migration? What is meant by net migration gain? Explain the difference between an economic migrant and refugee.

Exam Tips Appropriate use of key terms such as net migration, refugee or economic migrant is important in all answers. In shorter data response sections this allows your answers to be precise and concise. Ability to write clear definitions of geographical terms such as migrant remittances can be helpful in essays. This demonstrates your understanding of key concepts which are important in the discussion.