Migrant vs. Refugee: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Person moving by choice
Person fleeing due to fear of persecution
Reason for Moving
Economic, educational, or personal reasons
Conflict, violence, or persecution
Return to Homeland
May return if they wish
Often cannot return safely
Legal Protections
Generally no specific international protection unless vulnerable
Protected under the 1951 Refugee Convention
Voluntariness
Voluntary move
Involuntary displacement
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
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.
Migrant
Someone who resides in a place for a time, but not permanently.
The agricultural Migrant works in different states following seasonal harvests.
Refugee
A person who relocates for various reasons other than tourism.
Many Migrants move to find educational opportunities for their children.
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.
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.
Migrant
A person who relocates for various reasons other than tourism.
Many Migrants move to find educational opportunities for their children.
Refugee
Someone who resides in a place for a time, but not permanently.
The agricultural Migrant works in different states following seasonal harvests.
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.
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.
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.
Refugee
One who flees, especially to another country, seeking refuge from war, political oppression, religious persecution, or a natural disaster.
Migrant
An itinerant worker who travels from one area to another in search of work.
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.
Migrant
A person who leaves one country to settle permanently in another; an immigrant.
Refugee
A person seeking refuge due to a natural disaster, war, etc.
Migrant
Migratory.
Refugee
A person formally granted political or economic asylum by a country other than their home country.
Migrant
A migratory animal, in particular a migratory bird.
Refugee
(by extension) A person who flees one place or institution for another.
Migrant
Traveller or worker who moves from one region or country to another.
Refugee
To convey (slaves) away from the advance of the federal forces.
Migrant
(informal) A person who leaves one place in order to permanently settle in another.
Refugee
One who flees to a shelter, or place of safety.
Migrant
Any of various pierid butterflies of the genus Catopsilia. Also called an emigrant.
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.
Migrant
Migratory.
Refugee
An exile who flees for safety
Migrant
Migratory.
Migrant
A migratory bird, person, or other animal.
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.
Migrant
Traveler who moves from one region or country to another
Migrant
Habitually moving from place to place especially in search of seasonal work;
Appalled by the social conditions of migrant life
Migratory workers
FAQs
Can Migrants be considered Refugees?
Not all Migrants are Refugees, but some Migrants can qualify for Refugee status if they meet the criteria.
Are Refugees protected under international law?
Yes, Refugees have protections under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Do Migrants move by choice?
Yes, Migrants typically move by choice, unlike Refugees who are forced to flee.
What compels a Refugee to move?
Refugees flee due to persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations.
Do Migrants always move internationally?
No, Migrants can move within their own country (internally) or cross international borders.
What rights do Refugees have in host countries?
Refugees have rights to work, education, and healthcare, among other fundamental rights.
Can a Refugee become a citizen in a host country?
Yes, Refugees can often apply for citizenship after meeting residency and other criteria.
Can Migrants apply for asylum?
Yes, if a Migrant fears persecution upon return, they can apply for asylum and may gain Refugee status.
Is the movement of a Migrant permanent?
Not necessarily. Migrants may return to their home region or move elsewhere.
Are there global bodies assisting Refugees?
Yes, agencies like the UNHCR assist and protect Refugees globally.
Why might a Migrant decide to move?
Migrants might move for better jobs, education, family reunification, or other personal reasons.
Are Migrants entitled to international protections?
Generally, Migrants don't have specific international protections unless they're vulnerable or qualify as Refugees.
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.
Are all Migrants seeking economic opportunities?
No, while many Migrants seek jobs, others might move for family, education, or other reasons.
Are Refugees a recent phenomenon?
No, Refugees have existed throughout history due to wars, persecutions, and other crises.
Are all Refugees in camps?
No, many Refugees live in urban settings or integrate into local communities.
Do Refugees need a passport to seek asylum?
No, Refugees can seek asylum without a passport, as they're fleeing danger.
Can Refugees work legally in host countries?
Yes, in many countries Refugees have the right to work, but it varies by jurisdiction.
From what situations do Refugees typically flee?
Refugees often flee from war, ethnic clashes, religious persecution, and political unrest.
Why might Migrants be criticized or opposed in some countries?
Economic concerns, cultural differences, or political views might cause opposition to Migrants.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
