Internal Migration and Its Socio-economic Impacts: An Empirical Study in Barishal City, Bangladesh

Migration serves as a critical livelihood strategy for many of the rural poor, offering opportunities to improve their living conditions and advance their social standing. This study investigates the socio-economic effects of internal migration on migrants in Barishal City, Bangladesh, focusing on factors influencing migration, social and economic status and poverty levels before and after relocation. Results indicate modest improvements in both economic and social conditions post-migration. The economic status index value of 40.63% suggests a moderate positive impact on migrants’ financial situations, with improvements in household income, savings, expenditure, land ownership and non-productive assets. The social status index of 41.25% reflects enhancements in housing, water and sanitation facilities, healthcare access and working efficiency. The study also finds a reduction in poverty levels among migrants, as measured by the headcount ratio, and contributes to the understanding of internal migration dynamics in Bangladesh, a country highly vulnerable to climate-induced displacement.