Forced migration refers to the situation in which individuals or groups are compelled to relocate from their homes due to adverse conditions, while voluntary migration is characterized by the freedom of choice.

In the case of forced migration, individuals are often driven to leave their residences because staying in their current location has become impossible or unsafe. The triggers for forced migration can include natural disasters, such as floods or earthquakes, as well as human-made disasters like war or political instability. The defining characteristic of forced migration is the lack of choice; people are compelled to move under duress. Notable examples include the displacement of individuals during the Syrian civil war and the migration of rural populations to urban centers in China as a result of government policies.

Conversely, voluntary migration occurs when individuals or groups decide to move from one location to another of their own accord. This type of migration is usually motivated by the pursuit of improved opportunities, such as better employment prospects, education, or an enhanced lifestyle. Voluntary migrants are often attracted to their new destinations by the potential advantages and opportunities available there. For instance, many individuals have migrated from Eastern Europe to Western Europe in search of better job prospects, or from rural to urban areas in India seeking improved living conditions and opportunities.

In summary, the primary distinction between forced and voluntary migration lies in the level of choice involved. Forced migrants typically have little to no choice but to leave their homes, whereas voluntary migrants actively choose to relocate in pursuit of better opportunities. However, it is important to recognize that the boundary between forced and voluntary migration can sometimes be ambiguous. For example, in situations where economic conditions become so dire that individuals feel they must migrate, the distinction may blur, as they are technically making a choice, albeit under significant pressure.