Migration in Vietnam is intensifying along with the socio-economic development
process, involving all sub-groups of the population including ethnic minorities.
However, there are very few studies on migration of ethnic minorities due to a lack
of information about these poor and vulnerable population groups. In this regard,
the 2009 Population and Housing Census provides comprehensive information
about ethnic minority populations including their movement. Analysis of the
census data shows that the minority population is in a disadvantaged position in
comparison to the Kinh majority in terms of geographical distribution, education
and socio-economic status. Although migrants from the minority groups are similar
to those from the Kinh majority in many aspects, they are quite different with regards
to the distance migrated. Information from other sources also suggests that many
minority migrants might not move for economic reasons as in the case of the Kinh
majority migrants.