Abstract

Migration is not new and has been a global phenomenon throughout history. However, the number of people migrating has increased in the last five decades. There is no universally agreed definition of the term ‘migrants’, who are a heterogeneous group, and include refugees, persons seeking asylum, as well as documented and undocumented economic migrants. They range from individuals, who have recently settled in their country of residence, to those who have been resident for many years. Key definitions are presented in Table 17.1. The terms ‘refugees’ and ‘migrants’, preferred by the United Nations, are used here. Refugees and migrants face unique challenges through the process of migration and experience health inequalities as a result. Multiple barriers to accessing healthcare exist for them, including structural, economic, legal, cultural, and social factors. This chapter offers an overview of refugee and migrant health and health inequalities and uses a Socio-Ecological perspective to discuss barriers to accessing healthcare.