Migration encompasses all kinds of movement of people, it may be voluntary or forced. The reasons why people leave their home are usually called push and pull factors – some people are pushed to leave their countries because of conflict, natural disasters or persecution. Others are pulled to countries for reasons such as better economic prospects, education or climate. 

There is no universally accepted definition for “migrant”. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) uses “migrant” as an umbrella term for a person who moves away from his or her place of usual residence, whether within a country or across an international border, temporarily or permanently, and for a variety of reasons. The term includes a number of categories of people, such as migrant workers, international students, asylum-seekers, and more.

It is important to make a distinction between different categories of migrants, as they are entitled to different rights and protections. International human rights instruments provide that all persons, including migrants, are entitled to fundamental human rights, such as right to life, freedom from torture, right to liberty and security, among others. However, refugees are entitled to wider rights than other types of migrants, since they are not protected by their own country of origin.

This Guide will explain the difference between general migration and seeking asylum. It explains in which cases you have the right to enter another country, what are the consequences of entering without a legal ground, and what are your rights as an asylum-seeker or a refugee.