In the UK the term 'migrants' or 'immigrants' is applied loosely to a broad range of people, including minority groups who have been settled here for generations and those residing for shorter periods of time. Migration does not, therefore, necessarily indicate permanent settlement.
Migrants are a very diverse group of people ranging from economic migrants to political asylum seekers and refugees.
They include workers from around the world in core industries, such as healthcare and hospitality, and those moving out of the UK to other countries in Europe and elsewhere.
There are many reasons for migration, such as the pursuit of personal safety, improved economic prospects, and better education.
Those who migrate make positive contributions to the UK economy and also help the economies of their countries of origin by sending money home.
Their migration may, however, result in labour shortages at home, and have an adverse impact for their domestic economy.