Terminolgy of migration in the EU

EU Citizens

Free movementThe right to enter, work and live in any of the 28 EU Member States as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway (EEA states) and Switzerland.

MigrationThe movement of a person or a group of persons, either across an international border, or within a State. (IOM)).

Migrant“A person who moves to a country other than that of his or her usual residence for a period of at least a year [….] so that the country of destination effectively becomes his or her new country of usual residence.” (UN)

Migrant workerA foreign national who leaves his or her country of origin in order to work, or seek work, in another country (previously used to refer to workers from Central and Eastern Europe).

Mobile EU citizenEU citizens who are exercising their free movement rights: “EU citizens residing in another EU country.” (European Commission)

EU Citizens

Non-EU citizens

Immigration/ImmigrantA process by which non-nationals move into a country for the purpose of settlement. (IOM)

Third Country NationalCitizens of countries which are not part of the EU /EEA.

Economic migrantA person whose reasons for moving to another country are primarily economic.

Tourist/visitorA person who enters a country for a short period without the intention to work or study.

Asylum seeker(refugee)A person who seeks safety from persecution or serious harm in a country other than his or her own and awaits (has received) a decision on an application for refugee status. (IOM)

Irregular migrant(or undocumented migrants)“People who enter a country, usually in search of employment, without the necessary documents and permits.” (UN)