Glossary
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AGGLOMERATION ECONOMY
The benefits that come when firms and people locate near one another in cities and in industrial clusters, resulting in economies of scale and network effects, such as suitable infrastructures, availability of labour and savings in transport costs.
CIRCULAR MIGRATION
The fluid and repeated movement of people between countries of origin and destination or between national rural and urban areas including internal cross-country migration. This includes temporary or long-term movements which may be beneficial to all involved, if occurring voluntarily and linked to labour needs.
CITY COMPETITIVENESS
A set of factors, such as policies, institutions, strategies and processes that determine the level of sustainable productivity of a city. Sustainability encompasses economic, environmental and social issues.
COUNTRY OF DESTINATION
The country that is a destination for migrants (regular or irregular). See also: Host Country and Receiving Country.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
Generally speaking, the country of origin refers to the country that was the point of departure for the individual’s migratory journey.
COUNTRY OF TRANSIT CROSS-BORDER MIGRATION
The country through which migratory flows (regular or irregular) move. A process of movement of persons across international borders.
DEVELOPMENT
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) defines development as the process of “creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in accordance with their needs and interests… expanding the choices people have to lead lives that they value”. This definition marks a shift away from the strict emphasis on economic development measured by growth or income indicators and encompasses the human dimension of the process.
DIASPORA
There is no single accepted definition of the term diaspora. Diaspora is broadly defined as individuals and members of networks, associations and communities who have left their country of origin, and maintain links with their homelands. This concept covers more settled expatriate communities; migrant workers temporarily based abroad, expatriates with the citizenship of the host country, dual citizens, and second-/third-generation migrants.
DIVERSITY
Diversity is understood in a social, cultural and demographic sense, whereby a society or group is made up of individuals from different national, racial or ethnic backgrounds.