In-Migration

Migration associated with economic opportunity is a common phenomenon. One form of migration is project-induced in-migration (or influx), which involves the movement of people into an area in anticipation of, or in response to, economic opportunities associated with the development and/or operation of a new project. For most projects, project development and operations will induce, and indeed are sometimes dependent upon, the in-migration of labor. Beyond employment, there is a wide range of project-related economic opportunities that serves to draw people into the project area. Although this in-migration may ultimately benefit trade, employment, infrastructure, and services in the project area, in-migration can also negatively affect the project area and the ‘host’ communities, specifically with regard to environmental, social, and health issues. These negative impacts can result in increased project costs and increased operational and reputational risk, ultimately affecting a project’s “social license to operate.”