Collocations and Phrases Related to Migration

Collocations and Phrases Related to Migration

Collocations and Phrases Related to Migration

Hello English learners!  Migration is a word we often hear in the news, in political debates, and in everyday conversations. People move across countries and continents for many reasons—work, study, safety, or family. To speak and write about this important topic confidently, you’ll need the right vocabulary. In today’s lesson, we will explore collocations and phrases related to migration. You will see their meanings and examples, so you can use them in your writing, speaking, or exam practice.

Cross-border migration

Meaning: Movement of people across national borders, either legally or illegally. It is used in academic writing, policy discussions, and news reports.

• Cross-border migration has increased due to economic differences between neighbouring countries.

Note: This phrase highlights that migration doesn’t always involve long distances—it could be between two bordering nations.

Mass displacement

Meaning: When large groups of people are forced to leave their homes, often suddenly, due to war, natural disasters, or political conflict. It is common in humanitarian reports (UN, NGOs) and media coverage of crises.

• The earthquake led to the mass displacement of thousands of families.

Note: This collocation usually carries a negative or tragic connotation.

Voluntary migration

Meaning: When people choose to move, usually for work, education, or lifestyle reasons, not because of immediate danger, can be contrasted with forced migration.

• Her decision to study abroad was a case of voluntary migration.

Note: Students, skilled workers, and retirees are typical examples of voluntary migrants.

Collocations and Phrases Related to Migration

Host country

Meaning: The country that receives and provides settlement to migrants,  often used in discussions about integration, social policies, and cultural diversity.

• The host country offered language courses to help immigrants integrate more easily.

Note: This term highlights the responsibility and role of the country that receives migrants.

Country of origin

Meaning: The country a migrant comes from before moving abroad. It is cmmon in official documents, migration studies, and media coverage.

• Many migrants send money back to their country of origin to support their families.

Note: This phrase is often paired with “host country” to show both sides of the migration process.

Forced relocation

Meaning: A situation when people are forced to move against their will, typically by governments, wars, or large infrastructure projects.

• The construction of the dam led to the forced relocation of thousands of villagers.

Note: More formal than “forced migration,” and often linked to development projects.

Seasonal migration

Meaning: Temporary movement of people for work, which is usually related to farming, tourism, or construction.

• Seasonal migration is common in agricultural regions where workers are needed only during harvest.

Note: Very relevant for talking about economic migration.

Collocations and Phrases Related to Migration

Immigration policy

Meaning: The laws and rules a country sets to control who can enter and live there.

• The government announced a new immigration policy to attract skilled workers.

Note: A frequent phrase in political and exam contexts.

Migrant crisis

Meaning: A situation where large numbers of people move at once, overwhelming the receiving countries.

• The migrant crisis in Europe sparked debates about border control and humanitarian aid.

Note: Often seen in headlines and media coverage.

Undocumented migrants

Meaning: Migrants living in a country without legal permission or official documents.

• Undocumented migrants often face difficulties accessing healthcare and education.

Note: Neutral compared to older terms like “illegal immigrants,” which can sound negative.

Resettlement programme

Meaning: Refers to a government or international plan to help refugees or displaced people find a permanent home.

• The UN launched a resettlement programme to support refugees from conflict zones.

Note: Common in NGO and UNHCR language.

Diaspora community

Meaning: A group of people from the same country or ethnic background living abroad.

• The Indian diaspora community plays an important role in global trade and culture.

Note: Great for higher-level essays about culture and identity.

Collocations and Phrases Related to Migration

Remittance flows

Meaning: Money that migrants send back home to support their families.

• Remittance flows are a vital source of income for many developing countries.

Note: Academic and economic terms are excellent for formal writing.

Border control

Meaning: The measures taken by a country to regulate entry and exit across its borders.

• Border control was tightened in response to rising numbers of asylum seekers.

Note: Often comes up in exam debates about security vs. human rights.

Integration challenges

Meaning: Difficulties migrants face in adapting to a new country (language, jobs, culture).

• Host countries must address integration challenges such as unemployment and discrimination.

Note: Handy for essay problem–solution structures.

Tip for learners: These collocations can be dropped into CAE essays and reports to impress examiners. They show precision, topic knowledge, and academic style. For example:

Instead of

“Many people moved to another country and found it difficult”,

say:

“Migrants often face integration challenges in host countries due to language and employment barriers.”

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