Migration is the permanent movement of workers from one location to the next in search of better opportunities.
Internal Migration
Migration within a country e.g rural –urban migration. This is migration of persons from rural communities to the city areas.
External Migration
Migration of persons from one country to another – For example, the migration of Caribbean people to developed countries such as the United States and England.
Effects of Migration
Internal (Rural –Urban migration)
-The loss of persons from rural areas impacts on the level of output and development of these areas.
-It also impacts negatively on the level of commodities available for export form these regions.
-The influx of workers in urban areas increases competition for jobs, houses, health facilities, schools etc.
External Migration (Caribbean to developed countries)
-Professional and skilled workers who migrate reduce the level of skills available in their countries resulting in a brain drain effect. This will impact on growth and development.
-They increase competition for jobs, houses, health facilities and schools in their new territory.
-Money earned by Caribbean nations in foreign countries is sent home to support their families reducing poverty and making foreign exchange available for their respective countries.
-Caribbean professional and skilled workers contribute to the growth of developed countries