Migration mobility of the population of South Asiа: On the example of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan

The countries of South Asia are among the most densely populated on the planet. Active migration processes are observed in the region, which have an impact on the socio-economic development of countries. The statistical data and reports of the International Organization for Migration of the United Nations served as an empirical basis for studying the migration mobility of the population of the countries of South Asia. The study is based on information on the structure of emigration and immigration of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan in absolute and relative terms. For greater clarity, a cartographic method was used: author’s maps were created that reflect the specifics of migration processes in the countries of South Asia in terms of absolute and relative indicators. The scientific base concerning economic and social development of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan is systematized. The study revealed the specifics of migration flows in the countries of the region on the basis of statistical information on the emigration and immigration of citizens, calculated in absolute and relative terms. The factors influencing the migration mobility of the population are revealed. A retrospective analysis of migration processes in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan was carried out to identify similar and different features in their history that continue to influence the current migration processes taking place in the region. The reasons for the popularity of India among migrants from neighboring countries of South Asia are substantiated. The influence of the heritage of British India on modern interstate processes in South Asia is shown. The differentiation of intraregional and interregional migration flows in South Asia is analyzed. An assessment is made of the impact of migration processes on the socio-economic development of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The characteristics of the current features in the migration situation in the countries of South Asia are formulated.