Basic terms on the topic

“Migrants”, “refugees” or “asylum seekers”

Many people use terms such as “migrants”, “refugees” or “asylum seekers” without really thinking about their exact definition. In the context of the “refugee crisis” they are often mentioned and some have established themselves as commonly used and generally valid terms for people who have come to Greece from other countries.

From a legal and political point of view, however, there are clear distinctions that a person should know if they, like you, wish to support people. Therefore, you will find below an overview of important basic terms from the context of migration. Perhaps you already know some of them very well.

Try to come up with your own definition in your head before opening the containers.

What is migration?
Irregular migration
Who is considered a migrant?
Irregular migrant
Who is considered a refugee?
Who is considered an asylum seeker?
Further information on the subject of asylum systems can be found in the course “The Asylum System and its functions“.

Footnotes

  1. https://www.iom.int/key-migration-terms

Project Partners

Casework is a cooperation between the Innovation in Learning Institute (ILI), the ECC Association for Interdisciplinary Consulting and Education, the INTRGEA Institute for Development of Human Potentials, and Oxfam Italy. More info…