Migration and Health

Most migration takes place within countries, but the number of international migrants, typically from less developed to more developed countries has been on the rise in recent decades. The impact of migration on health is a complex phenomenon. There are health issues associated with the point of origin, point of destination, the journey itself, and return migration. Most research has focused on the health of voluntary immigrants to Western societies and, despite increasing evidence that immigrants are relatively healthy, has often emphasized their health problems rather than any health advantages they may have. Below, the authors review research on migration and health paying particular attention to the health of immigrants at different stages in the migratory process.