Human Migration Patterns

Migration Patterns in South Asia

• South Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with a total population of 1.6 billion, 1.2 billion of which are in India.

Nepal

• The largest flow of internal migration is from the northern, mountainous areas to cities or the southern, fertile farmland due to high population density and expensive land.
• People migrate to seek new opportunities, especially in the south.

India

• In 2001, only 2% of migrations were from outside the country, with most people emigrating to developed countries like the United States and Europe.
• The main reason for internal migration is marriage, accounting for over 50% of movements, especially for women who are expected to move in with their husband's family.
• Other reasons for internal migration include better employment, education, and avoidance of turmoil, such as conflicts in Jammu, Kashmir, and Assam.

Pakistan

• After the British left India, there was a surge of migration from India to Pakistan, with Hindus moving to India and Muslims to Pakistan.
• Internal migration occurred mostly from rural areas to cities, driven by people seeking jobs or better opportunities, with some migrants sending money back to their families.
• External migration is common, with many people moving to the Middle East for oil industry jobs, seeking to get rich.

Afghanistan

• Migration data is limited due to informal or abusive governments, but people seasonally migrate to Iran and Pakistan for work, sending money back to their families.
• Some Afghans leave the country to escape persecution, seeking asylum in Europe, the U.S., and other countries, or flee war and conflict.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives

• Both countries see a lot of migration, driven by limited opportunities, with people moving to other countries for work, especially in the Middle East, South Korea, and Singapore, and sending money back home.
• Tourism is a significant source of revenue, with many short-term migrants visiting the countries.
• The Maldives is especially vulnerable, with climate change threatening the country's existence, and the government planning to buy land in Australia for future relocation.

Bhutan

• The most common flows of migrants are from neighboring Nepal and India, but immigration is generally discouraged, and even banned at times, especially for settlers from Nepal.
• Moving to Bhutan requires demonstrating an understanding of the culture and willingness to assimilate.
• Internal migration is common, with people moving from the east to the west for employment, family, education, and marriage.