Section Article

Migration Identity and Belonging: Experiences of Internal Migrants in Emerging Smart Cities
Author(s): Dr Shashi Kant

Abstract
Internal migration has become a defining feature of contemporary urbanization in developing economies particularly in countries experiencing rapid economic transformation and technological advancement. The emergence of smart cities has created new opportunities for employment education entrepreneurship and improved living conditions attracting millions of internal migrants from rural and semi-urban regions. However the process of migration extends beyond economic mobility and involves complex negotiations of identity social inclusion and belonging. Internal migrants often encounter challenges related to cultural adaptation social exclusion inadequate housing and unequal access to urban services despite contributing significantly to urban growth. This study examines the experiences of internal migrants in emerging smart cities focusing on the relationship between migration identity formation and the sense of belonging. The research highlights how smart city initiatives influence migrant integration and explores the socio-economic cultural and institutional factors that shape migrants’ everyday lives within rapidly transforming urban environments.