Human migration is the permanent change of residence by an individual or group.

(Encyclopedia Britannica)

In winter migratory birds are moving to warmer regions. Our feathered friends have been performing this kind of migration for millions of years, making the long-distance journey from summer to winter homes and back. Yet, some people live in the coldest areas of the world without any desire to change their place of residence. This raises a big question about the reasons for migrations, besides the already known political and social ones.

We are living in a so-called new “age of migration” in which migrations are performed on an unprecedented scale and with unprecedented intensity. Different theories claim that migration, as a social outcome, is based on the complex interplay of the economic and political factors. Migration is a decision taken in the context of personal needs, livelihood challenges and opportunities, stress, urgency, and uncertainties, often based on incomplete information about opportunities and outcomes.

Migrations, as global phenomena, have an indelible impact on people, influencing identities and feelings of belonging for both migrants and host countries. The migrations have existed since the pre-modern migrations of human populations (Homo erectus) out of Africa across Eurasia about 1.75 million years ago, back to the present day.

Migration, driven by the pursuit of improved opportunities and the need to escape unfavorable circumstances, is an everlasting topic that captivates human interest. The remarkable resilience, adaptability, and determination evident in migrants highlight the profound human capacity to navigate change. This multifaceted phenomenon deeply influences art, literature, and scientific research, offering insights into its effects on individuals and communities.

Migration can be categorized into several types, each driven by distinct factors:​

  • Internal (movement within a country) or external (crossing international borders to reside in another country) migration.

  • Voluntary or forced migration: voluntary migration occurs when individuals choose to move, often seeking better economic opportunities or living conditions. In contrast, forced migration happens when individuals are compelled to move due to factors like conflict, persecution, or natural disasters.

  • Seasonal migration that involves periodic movement, typically related to agricultural cycles, where individuals move to areas requiring seasonal labor and return home after the season ends. ​

  • Chain migration: a process where migrants from a particular area follow others from that area to a specific destination, often leading to established immigrant communities. ​

  • Environmental migration: movement due to environmental changes, natural disasters, or ecological degradation. ​

  • Economic migration: driven by the pursuit of better employment opportunities and improved economic conditions.

Here’s why millions of people move every year: economic growth (higher wages, better jobs, financial stability), education (students pursue world-class education abroad, often leading to new career paths), safety and asylum (political instability, violence, and war force many to seek refuge), family reunification, and quality of life (better healthcare, security, and social benefits inspire migration).

Among these, one of the less discussed but profoundly impactful types is migration driven by love and relationships. People often relocate to be with their partners, leading to what is termed "love migration." This type of migration is a significant phenomenon that intertwines deeply personal decisions with broader social and economic factors. Also, it intertwines personal relationships with the complexities of adapting to new cultural and social environments. Individuals who migrate for love not only leave behind their familiar surroundings but also face the challenges of integrating into their partner's homeland, which can include language barriers, cultural differences, and establishing new social networks. ​

The phenomenon of love migration can drive individuals to uproot their lives. While economic or political factors often dominate migration narratives, the pursuit of personal happiness and fulfillment through relationships is a powerful catalyst for movement across borders. This aspect of migration highlights the human desire for connection and the lengths to which individuals will go to nurture and sustain their relationships.

Regarding challenges and considerations, individuals migrating for love often leave behind established careers and professional networks. Securing employment in a new location can be challenging, potentially leading to feelings of vulnerability and concerns about fairness in the job market. Adapting to a new cultural and social environment can be daunting. Migrants for love must navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and the task of building new social networks, all of which can impact their sense of belonging and well-being.

Home transcends physical spaces; it resides in the bonds we share with others and the love that affirms our sense of belonging. Whether by circumstance or unseen forces, the warmth and affection of a family home awaited me beyond the borders of my native country. At times, we may lose our way in search of what truly serves us, much like the children’s game of “hot and cold.” Yet, with patience and intuition, we eventually uncover what we seek. For me, that hidden treasure revealed itself in 2017—first in Greece and later in Germany.

I believe the precious pearls of our happiness are scattered across the globe. There is no need for judgment; every living being possesses the instinct for survival and the innate longing for joy and warmth.

Like the migratory bird at the start of this story, I too departed from my homeland…because of love. Just as these birds rely on magnetic fields and the stars for navigation, perhaps our own guiding lights shine more brightly in distant skies and lands—for now. But let us always remember: migratory birds move in both directions!