TVETipedia Glossary

Migrant

Migrant is “a generic term for anyone moving to another country with the intention of staying for a certain period of time – not, in other words, tourists or business visitors. It includes both permanent and temporary migrants with a valid residence permit or visa, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants who do not belong to any of the three groups” (OECD 2016).

Source:
ILO, Skills recognition mechanisms for selected occupational profiles of migrant workers in Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa, 2022
ILO, Skills recognition mechanisms for selected occupational profiles of migrant workers in Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa, 2022
Access resource, available in English
This publication, a feasibility study on skills recognition mechanisms for selected occupational profiles, namely, domestic work and welding, contains a 2-page glossary of selected terms that are relevant in the area. The analysis of the study focused on different economic contexts and labour migration governance mechanisms, namely the intra-regional migration corridor: Ethiopia-South Africa, and the free mobility within a regional economic community (IGAD), with emphasis on the Ethiopia-Kenya migration corridor.

An umbrella term, not defined under international law, reflecting the common lay understanding of 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 well-defined legal categories of people, such as migrant workers; persons whose particular types of movements are legally defined, such as smuggled migrants; as well as those whose status or means of movement are not specifically defined under international law, such as international students.

Source:
International Organization for Migration, Glossary on Migration, 2019
International Organization for Migration, Glossary on Migration, 2019
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This edition of the IOM Glossary on Migration is an accessible collection of definitions of migration related terminology. It is designed for a broad range of persons engaging with migration at the international level. It also provides some insights on regional and national practices.
The purpose of this edition, like previous versions, is to develop a common understanding and consistent use of migration and migration-related terms based, whenever possible, on international standards. Creating uniformity in language is an
important starting point in migration discourse to ensure an accurate understanding and coherent exchange of information among actors working in the field of migration. Most importantly, it is a fundamental step towards collective and more efficient responses. In some cases, the use of appropriate migration terms can foster an objective and balanced approach to migration, support States in better fulfilling their human rights obligations towards migrants, and have a positive impact on State and public perceptions on migration.