Internal migration in rural Laos: A case study of the village H in Luang Prabang Province

Abstract

Previous studies on internal migration in Laos have not conducted an in-depth study of the relationship between inter-rural migration and rural-urban migration, as well as permanent migration processes to cities. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to explore characteristics of rural-urban migration in Laos by connecting the rural population dynamics with the migrants’ life course. Interviews were conducted with 42 households and 22 migrants who migrated from a lowland village in the northern fringe of Laos to Vientiane Capital. The results revealed that inter-rural migration from the highlands to the lowlands has been promoted as a national policy in Laos, which has had a significant impact on rural population dynamics. Consequently, there appears to be more active migration to cities. Urban migrants have entered the urban labor market in Vientiane as low-skilled workers. However, as they have settled in cities, they have improved their living conditions by changing their jobs. Although they have attempted to maintain their relationship with their village of origin, their ties with it have become weaker and eventually were cut-off as their working and living conditions in Vientiane were enhanced. Triggers for settlement are not only related to the labor market but also closely related to their children’ s education.