Last Updated 16/02/2011
In the last decade there has been an increase in the number of people from other countries coming to Northern Ireland to visit, study and work. This has caused curiosity and the potential for misinformation and misunderstanding. This page sets out to provide some basic information about migration.
People have moved from their home countries for centuries, for all sorts of reasons. Some are drawn to new places by ‘pull ‘ factors, others find it difficult to remain where they are and migrate because of ‘push’ factors. These have contributed to the recent movement of people here but are also the reason why people from here have emigrated to other countries. Continue reading ‘Why do people migrate?’
Q Who is an immigrant?
A This term has been applied to all people coming into a country, but it is now often applied to people who intend to settle and integrate here, as opposed to being a more temporary ‘migrant worker’. It is important not to view people who are part of long-established minority-ethnic communities and populations as ‘immigrants’. Continue reading ‘Migration terminology’
There have also always been incomers to Ireland, for political, economic and social reasons and in order to find sanctuary; there are just more today. Continue reading ‘Inward Migration Today’
No exact figures are available, but a Labour Force Survey estimate suggests that there were 80,000 people, born outside the UK and Ireland, living in N Ireland in 2010. Continue reading ‘How many people have come here recently?’
