The leading causes of migration are environmental, political, cultural, social, or

economic. These factors may overlap; often, a reason for migration is a combination of factors.
Some people argue that all migration is ultimately economically motivated, whether it's to
improve one's status, escape poverty, or flee from a disaster. This is often true, but there are
other aspects to migration as well. According to the United Nations International Organization
for Migration (IOM), in 2020, 281 Million people, or 3.6 percent of all people in the world, were
migrants.1 Many of these migrants embark on dangerous and sometimes fatal journeys to
escape poverty or oppression in hopes of a better life.
The causes of migration generally are categorized as push and pull factors. Push
factors(negative) cause a person to leave a place, whereas pull (positive) factors attracts
someone to a particular area. Push and pull factors usually have some relation to one another
and can be thought of as two sides of the same coin. For example, if someone is leaving an
area due to conflict (push factor), they are presumably going to a peaceful area (pull factor).

Lets talk about the push and pull economic factors:

1. Lack of Job opportunity- this reason is very present in our very own Philippines, in
which there are not enough available jobs for people who are seeking employment. , the
"lack of job opportunity" can occur when the overall economy is struggling (economic
downturns) or when specific industries or sectors are not expanding (limited industry
growth), both of which result in fewer available job openings for job seekers. When there
are few job opportunities, competition for work increases, leading employers to offer
2. lower wages. With more people willing to accept lower pay to secure jobs, employers
have less incentive to offer higher wages, resulting in overall lower wages in the job
market. When there are few job opportunities and low wages, individuals struggle to
earn enough income to meet their basic needs, leading to
3. poverty. With limited employment options and inadequate pay, many people find
themselves unable to afford essential expenses such as food, housing, and healthcare,
trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
For example: Luz, a dedicated teacher in the Philippines, faces the push factors of limited job
opportunities and low wages in her hometown. Struggling to support her family, she decides to
explore teaching positions abroad. Hearing about Singapore's reputation for abundant job
opportunities, high wages or competitive salary, and a higher standard of living for
educators, Luz sees it as an attractive option. She is drawn to the promise of better career
prospects and improved quality of life for herself and her loved ones, prompting her to pursue
teaching opportunities in Singapore.
Based on research, countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and
Singapore are often popular destinations for economic migrants. These countries offer diverse
job opportunities across various sectors, relatively high wages, social benefits, and favorable
living conditions, making them attractive options for individuals and families seeking better
economic prospects.
There are also these social factors that compel individuals to seek refuge elsewhere.
1. Discrimination and Oppression:
In which, someone is treated unfairly by her own community,
For example: Scenario:
 Ollie is an ethnic minority in Country A. Ollie is often subjected to harassment and
often treated unfairly by a few particular neighbors and people in the community. It
makes Ollie feel unwelcome and isolated. (push)
There is a large community where they feel welcomed and accepted regardless of
their background, race, religion, or beliefs. Inclusive communities foster a sense of
belonging and encourage migration to such areas. (pull)
2. Lack of Social Services:
- Inadequate access to essential social services such as education, healthcare,
housing, and social welfare can diminish quality of life and limit opportunities for
personal and community development, driving individuals to seek better services
elsewhere.
PULL Access to Social Services: Availability of essential social services such as
education, healthcare, housing, and social welfare enhances the quality of life and
provides opportunities for personal and community development. The presence of
comprehensive social services attracts migrants seeking better opportunities and
support systems.

3. Family Separation
- When families are separated, it can be really tough emotionally. People often want to
be with their loved ones to support each other. So, if someone's family is far away,
they might decide to move closer to them. Being together with family is very
important for many people, so it can be a big reason why they choose to migrate.

Example Scenario:

Maria, from a rural village, faces challenges that push her to migrate. Lack of good
schools and healthcare makes life hard. Also, her parents live in another country, so
she feels lonely and wants to be with them.

Pull Family Reunification: The desire to be together with loved ones and provide
emotional support motivates individuals to migrate closer to their families. Reuniting
with family members who may be residing in a different location fosters stronger
family bonds and serves as a significant pull factor for migration.

CULTURAL FACTORS- Cultural push factors of migration refer to aspects of a person's

culture or society that influence their decision to leave their home and move to another
place.

1. Religious freedom means people can practice their religion without anyone
stopping them or hurting them for it. When this freedom is limited or taken away in
their home country, some people might decide to move to another place where they
can freely follow their beliefs without any problems. So, if someone feels they can't
practice their religion safely where they live, they might choose to migrate to a
country where they can.
 2. Cultural restriction means rules or expectations in a society about how people
should act or behave based on traditions or norms. If these rules feel too limiting or
unfair, some people might decide to move to another place where they can live more
freely and express themselves without these restrictions. So, if someone feels held
back by the rules or expectations in their culture, they might choose to move
somewhere else where they can be themselves more easily.
3. "Lack of freedom" means not having the ability to make choices or do things freely
because of rules, laws, or other people stopping you. When someone doesn't have
enough freedom in their country, they might feel trapped or restricted. So, they might
choose to move to another place where they can have more control over their own
life and do things without as many limitations.

Pull factors: 1. Cultural Diversity and Acceptance: Places that embrace cultural diversity and
celebrate different backgrounds attract migrants seeking acceptance and connection to their
heritage. The opportunity to live in a multicultural environment fosters a sense of belonging and
cultural pride.

2. Freedom of Expression: Societies that respect individual freedoms and allow for the
expression of diverse cultural identities attract migrants seeking to escape cultural restrictions
and discrimination

United States: The United States is known as a melting pot of cultures, with people
from all over the world making up its population. While there are challenges, the U.S.
prides itself on being a nation of immigrants and has a long history of embracing
cultural diversity. Example:
Maria, from a small town in Italy, seeks cultural enrichment. She moves to New York
City, known for its diverse communities. There, she immerses herself in multicultural
events, finding personal growth and a sense of belonging.

When a country likes and welcomes all kinds of cultures and lets people talk freely without
getting in trouble, it becomes a place where many people want to go. This is because when
people see that their cultural ways are okay and they can say what they think without problems,
they feel happy and part of the community. So, countries that are open to different cultures and
let people speak their minds become popular places for those looking for acceptance,
friendship, and the chance to be themselves.

Environmental Factors:

Environmental push factors of migration refer to conditions or events related to the natural
environment that compel individuals or groups to leave their homes and migrate to other areas.

1. Natural disaster- When a natural disaster strikes, it can turn people's lives upside down.
Houses can be destroyed, and everything inside can be ruined. When Super Typhoon
Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, hit the Philippines in 2013, it caused widespread
devastation. The powerful winds and storm surge destroyed thousands of homes,
leaving many people homeless. after the big storm Yolanda hit the Philippines, some
people moved to other places in the country because their homes were damaged or
 destroyed. Some might have moved to places where it's safer or where they could find
help from family or friends. Also, a few people might have chosen to move to other
countries for better jobs or living conditions after the storm.
No place is entirely immune to natural disasters, but some regions are generally
considered safer than others depending on the type of disaster. Ireland: Ireland is
known for its low risk of natural disasters. It experiences minimal seismic activity, and
while it can face storms and flooding due to its maritime climate, t
2. Climate Change result to Loss of Livelihoodmeans the weather is changing over
many years, like it's getting hotter, rains differently, and the sea level is rising. hese
events are typically less severe compared to other regions.
Climate change can make it harder for people to grow crops like rice, which they rely
on for money. It can bring more floods, droughts, and pests that damage the rice
crops. When this happens, farmers might not earn enough money to support their
families. So, some might decide to move to other places where they can find jobs or
grow different crops that are less affected by the changing climate.

Environmental pull factors are conditions or characteristics of a destination area that attract
individuals or groups to migrate due to environmental advantages. These factors may include:

1. Favorable Climate: Areas with pleasant weather conditions, such as moderate

temperatures and ample sunshine, attract migrants seeking a comfortable living
environment.
2. Natural Beauty: Regions known for their scenic landscapes, pristine beaches, lush
forests, or breathtaking mountainscapes entice migrants looking for aesthetic appeal
and recreational opportunities.
3. Lower Risk of Natural Disasters: Locations with a reduced likelihood of
experiencing natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or wildfires, attract
migrants seeking safety and security for themselves and their families.
Example:
Push- Mount Pinatubo volcano erupted in the Philippines in 1991 causing the deaths
of 700 people and the destruction of homes and property.
Pull- People looked for country with Lower risk from natural disasters and hazards

POLITICAL FACTORS

1. When the government doesn't let people speak freely or punishes them for their beliefs,
it's called political repression. This can make people angry and upset, leading to
protests and fights. When there's a lot of this happening, it creates a situation where
things are not stable or settled in the country, which is called political instability. So,
when there's political repression, it often makes the country more unstable and
unsettled.
2. Political instability means when there's a lot of chaos and uncertainty in a country's
government. It's like when things are shaky and not very settled, with lots of changes
happening and people not feeling sure about what's going to happen next.
 In a country called ABC, there's a lot of trouble with the government. People are
always fighting for power, and there are protests and fights happening often.
People feel scared to go outside because they might get hurt. The government
doesn't let people say what they think, and everyone feels frustrated and worried
about the future. Imagine a family living there. They see all the fighting and worry
about their safety. They decide they can't stay there anymore because it's too
dangerous and uncertain. So, they leave ABC and go to another country where it's
safer and people have more freedom. They hope to find a place where they can
feel safe and speak their minds without fear.
3. War and armed conflict can be significant push factors for migration. Here's a simplified
explanation: Imagine a country where there's a war going on. There are bombs
exploding, gunfire, and people getting hurt. Families are scared for their safety, and they
don't know if their homes will be destroyed. Many people decide they can't stay there
because it's too dangerous. So, they leave their homes and go to other places where
they hope they'll be safe. This is why war can push people to migrate - they're looking for
a place where they won't be in danger anymore.

Forced migration happens when people are made to leave their homes because it's not
safe for them to stay. This often happens during wars or fights where there's a lot of
danger. People have to leave quickly to protect themselves and their families. They
might have to go to a different part of their own country or even to another country to find
safety. They don't leave because they want to but because they have no other choice.

Political Factors:

Seeking peaceful regions, free of political turmoil or unrest.

1. Political Stability:
- Countries with stable political systems and peaceful governance attract migrants
seeking safety and security from political instability, conflict, or unrest in their home
countries.
2. Democratic Governance:
- Nations that uphold democratic principles and protect political freedoms, such as
freedom of speech, assembly, and expression, appeal to migrants seeking
opportunities for civic engagement and protection from political persecution.
These factors encourage individuals to migrate to countries where they can live free
from political repression, enjoy civil liberties, and feel secure in their rights and
freedoms.
Example:
Country B has strong institutions that protect and enforce personal liberty much more
than Country A, such as free and fair elections.

Migration happens because people are either pushed away from their home or pulled
towards a new place. Push factors are like problems at home, such as not enough jobs,
wars, or natural disasters, that make people want to leave. Pull factors are like good
things in another place, such as more jobs, safety, or better opportunities, that attract
people to move there. Governments and organizations need to understand these
reasons to help make things better for everyone involved in migration, like by creating
more jobs, ensuring safety, and welcoming newcomers. This way, migration can be
managed well, and everyone can have a chance for a better life.