Stepping Stone, Shock Absorber, and Alternative: The Role of Internal Migration in Shaping International Migration in India

Manoj Paul, PhD student
Archana K. Roy, Professor

Historically, internal and international migration have been studied separately, often overlooking the interconnection between them. Drawing insights from PhD field survey of 216 return migrants conducted in 16 village of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar between November 2023 and April 2024, this paper explores how internal migration in India serves as a stepping stone, shock absorber, and alternative to international migration. Using bivariate and qualitative analysis study reveal that 73.1% followed internal migration pathways, 13% transitioned from internal to international migration, 7.4% international to internal migration, and 6.5% migrated abroad directly. Internal migration acts as a stepping stone, allowing migrants to gain skills, networks, and financial resources that help them further migrate internationally. It also functions as a shock absorber for returnees facing challenges abroad, offering opportunities for economic recovery through internal migration. For those facing structural barriers of high costs, limited networks, or documentation, internal migration offers a viable alternative to opportunity. Study concludes that internal migration plays a multiple role in shaping international migration by providing pathways for economic diversification and improving standard of living. Policymakers should promote internal migration, enhance skill development programs, and raise awareness of formal migration channels to ensure safer, and successful migration outcomes.

Keywords: International Migration, Internal Migration and Urbanization, Mixed methods research

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