What Is Internal Migration?

Migration is when someone moves from one place to another, either by choice or out of necessity. There are many different terms associated with migrating, such as migrant, immigrant, refugee, and more. These all have different meanings and pertain to specific situations where individuals are moving between locations. One type of migration that is discussed less frequently than others is internal migration. 

Internal Migration Explained

Internal migration is defined as the “movement of individuals or groups… within the boundaries of a certain country.” Unlike international migration, internal migration is when someone leaves their home, but does not leave the country in which they live. They do not cross any international borders as refugees do. Sometimes internal migrants move permanently, while other times they move temporarily—often for work or education.

It’s estimated that over 760 million individuals around the world live in a different region than the one they were born in. An example of internal migration is if someone living in India left their home and traveled to another part of the country for a work opportunity. Whether they stay in that area permanently or intend to return to their initial home area, they are internally migrating.

While internal migrants are generally not forced to leave their homes—instead opting to migrate in order to seek better opportunities—there are also internally displaced persons, who are forced to flee their homes because of conflict or persecution. Internally displaced persons also do not cross international borders, which can leave them vulnerable as they don’t have the same protections as refugees under international law. No matter the reason a person is migrating from one place to another, they deserve protection as they seek a better life for themselves and their loved ones.

The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and migrants. Our efforts include protecting internally displaced children in Burkina Faso, providing assistance to Afghan refugees with our partner agencies, taking part in activism against gender-based violence towards Syrian refugees in Jordan, aiding Ukrainian refugees, and more.

We rely on donations to fund our critical humanitarian work and continue changing lives. Find out how you can make a difference and help migrants, internally displaced persons, and refugees in need today!

About the International Catholic Migration Commission

The International Catholic Migration Commission is a nonprofit organization that protects, serves, and advocates for displaced people throughout the world. We help refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants of all faiths, races, and ethnicities forge lives in safety and dignity.

With support from people like you, ICMC delivers humanitarian aid and social development, protects vulnerable migrants, contributes to refugee resettlement efforts, advocates before governments, and partners with civic leaders. We seek a sustainable solution to dangerous migration and refugee crises.

Find out more by visiting our website.