Legal Definitions - emigration

Emigration refers to the act of an individual or a group permanently leaving their home country to settle in another country. The defining characteristic is the intention to establish a new, long-term residence abroad, rather than merely visiting or temporarily relocating.

• Example 1: A highly skilled architect from Germany accepts a permanent position with a leading firm in Australia. She sells her apartment in Berlin, ships all her personal belongings, and applies for Australian citizenship after fulfilling the residency requirements, having no plans to return to Germany to live.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates emigration because the architect is departing Germany with the clear and stated intent to reside permanently in Australia, establishing a new life and career there.

• Example 2: A family living in South Africa decides to sell their farm and move to New Zealand after purchasing a new property there, intending to live out their retirement years enjoying the different lifestyle and perceived safety.

  Explanation: This is an act of emigration as the family is leaving South Africa with the explicit purpose of establishing a new, permanent home in New Zealand, not merely for an extended visit or temporary stay.

• Example 3: Following a period of significant economic downturn and limited job prospects in their native Italy, a young couple obtains permanent residency visas for Canada. They pack their essential belongings, say goodbye to their relatives, and move to Toronto with the goal of finding stable employment, buying a home, and raising a family there.

  Explanation: This demonstrates emigration because the couple is leaving Italy with the firm intention of not returning to live there, instead establishing a new, permanent life in Canada, driven by the pursuit of better opportunities.