Migrant vs. Refugee: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 10, 2023
A Migrant chooses to move, often for economic reasons, while a Refugee is forced to flee due to conflict or persecution.
Key Differences
A Migrant is an individual who moves from one place to another, often in search of better opportunities or a more favorable environment. A Refugee, on the other hand, is someone who flees their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Migrants may decide to move for a myriad of reasons, including economic prospects, family reunification, or education. Refugees do not have such a choice, as they are escaping imminent danger or threats to their lives in their home country.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
While Migrants might return home if circumstances permit or if their reasons for moving change, Refugees often cannot return safely due to the ongoing threat or lack of protection in their homeland.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Both Migrants and Refugees contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of their new communities. However, while Migrants have often planned their move, Refugees are compelled to flee, often under sudden and dire circumstances.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Legally speaking, Refugees have a specific status under international law which entitles them to certain protections, whereas Migrants, unless they fall under other legal categories, do not enjoy such specialized status.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Reason for Moving
Economic, educational, or personal reasons
Conflict, violence, or persecution
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Legal Protections
Generally no specific international protection unless vulnerable
Protected under the 1951 Refugee Convention
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
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Migrant and Refugee Definitions
Migrant
A person who transitions from one region to another, often in pursuit of a better life.
The Migrant worker sends remittances back to his family every month.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Refugee
An individual who changes their place of residence, either within their country or internationally.
The country has a rich history of Migrant communities enriching its culture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Migrant
Someone who resides in a place for a time, but not permanently.
The agricultural Migrant works in different states following seasonal harvests.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Refugee
A person who relocates for various reasons other than tourism.
Many Migrants move to find educational opportunities for their children.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Migrant
An individual who changes their place of residence, either within their country or internationally.
The country has a rich history of Migrant communities enriching its culture.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
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Refugee
An individual moving from one area to another seeking work or better living conditions.
The Migrant traveled to the city in search of a better job.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Migrant
A person who relocates for various reasons other than tourism.
Many Migrants move to find educational opportunities for their children.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Refugee
Someone who resides in a place for a time, but not permanently.
The agricultural Migrant works in different states following seasonal harvests.
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Migrant
An individual moving from one area to another seeking work or better living conditions.
The Migrant traveled to the city in search of a better job.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Refugee
A person who transitions from one region to another, often in pursuit of a better life.
The Migrant worker sends remittances back to his family every month.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Migrant
An organism, especially an animal, that moves from one region to another (as for breeding) or that has established itself in an area where it previously did not exist.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Refugee
One who flees, especially to another country, seeking refuge from war, political oppression, religious persecution, or a natural disaster.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Migrant
An itinerant worker who travels from one area to another in search of work.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Refugee
A person seeking refuge in a foreign country out of fear of political persecution or the prospect of such persecution in their home country, i.e., a person seeking political asylum.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Migrant
A person who leaves one country to settle permanently in another; an immigrant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Refugee
A person formally granted political or economic asylum by a country other than their home country.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Refugee
(by extension) A person who flees one place or institution for another.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Migrant
(informal) A person who leaves one place in order to permanently settle in another.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Migrant
Any of various pierid butterflies of the genus Catopsilia. Also called an emigrant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Refugee
Especially, one who, in times of persecution or political commotion, flees to a foreign power or country for safety; as, the French refugees who left France after the revocation of the edict of Nantes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Migrant
A person who changes residence frequently in search of employment, especially farm labor, such as harvesting crops seasonally; also called migrant laborer or migrant worker. Sometimes the migrant worker is not a resident of the country in which the work is performed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Migrant
Habitually moving from place to place especially in search of seasonal work;
Appalled by the social conditions of migrant life
Migratory workers
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Can Migrants be considered Refugees?
Not all Migrants are Refugees, but some Migrants can qualify for Refugee status if they meet the criteria.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Are Refugees protected under international law?
Yes, Refugees have protections under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Do Migrants move by choice?
Yes, Migrants typically move by choice, unlike Refugees who are forced to flee.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
What compels a Refugee to move?
Refugees flee due to persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
Do Migrants always move internationally?
No, Migrants can move within their own country (internally) or cross international borders.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
What rights do Refugees have in host countries?
Refugees have rights to work, education, and healthcare, among other fundamental rights.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Can a Refugee become a citizen in a host country?
Yes, Refugees can often apply for citizenship after meeting residency and other criteria.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Can Migrants apply for asylum?
Yes, if a Migrant fears persecution upon return, they can apply for asylum and may gain Refugee status.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
Is the movement of a Migrant permanent?
Not necessarily. Migrants may return to their home region or move elsewhere.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Are there global bodies assisting Refugees?
Yes, agencies like the UNHCR assist and protect Refugees globally.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Why might a Migrant decide to move?
Migrants might move for better jobs, education, family reunification, or other personal reasons.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Are Migrants entitled to international protections?
Generally, Migrants don't have specific international protections unless they're vulnerable or qualify as Refugees.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Is there a difference between a Migrant worker and a Migrant?
A Migrant worker specifically moves for work, while a Migrant can move for various reasons.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Are all Migrants seeking economic opportunities?
No, while many Migrants seek jobs, others might move for family, education, or other reasons.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Are Refugees a recent phenomenon?
No, Refugees have existed throughout history due to wars, persecutions, and other crises.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Are all Refugees in camps?
No, many Refugees live in urban settings or integrate into local communities.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Do Refugees need a passport to seek asylum?
No, Refugees can seek asylum without a passport, as they're fleeing danger.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Can Refugees work legally in host countries?
Yes, in many countries Refugees have the right to work, but it varies by jurisdiction.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
From what situations do Refugees typically flee?
Refugees often flee from war, ethnic clashes, religious persecution, and political unrest.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 10, 2023
Why might Migrants be criticized or opposed in some countries?
Economic concerns, cultural differences, or political views might cause opposition to Migrants.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
