When people migrate, their social status often changes and this shift can have significant consequences for their health. This systematic review synthesised evidence from 13 studies across five countries, covering international migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and rural-to-urban migrants. The findings show a consistent pattern: those who experience downward social mobility after migration report poorer general health, lower life satisfaction, and a higher risk of depression. Conversely, upward social mobility is associated with better mental health and overall wellbeing. The results underline the importance of policies that actively support the socioeconomic integration of migrants after arrival, not only to improve individual health outcomes, but to prevent the adverse effects of social decline in the first place.
Migration-induced subjective social mobility and its associations with self-rated mental and general health: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Social Science & Medicine 2025.