What are push and pull factors?

Push factors are factors that motivate people to leave their country of origin. These factors can be economic, political, social, or environmental.

Economic push factors include poverty, unemployment, low wages, and lack of economic opportunity.

Political push factors include war, civil unrest, political persecution, and human rights abuses.

Social push factors include discrimination, lack of access to education and healthcare, and crime and violence.

Environmental push factors include natural disasters, climate change, and pollution.

Pull factors are factors that attract people to a new country. These factors can also be economic, political, social, or environmental.

Economic pull factors include higher wages, better job opportunities, and a higher standard of living.

Political pull factors include peace, stability, democracy, and human rights protections.

Social pull factors include family reunification, cultural diversity, and a better quality of life.

Environmental pull factors include a cleaner environment, a healthier climate, and more natural resources.

People who are considering migrating often weigh the push and pull factors associated with their own situation to make a decision about whether or not to leave their country of origin.