What term describes the phenomenon of people returning home after living in a different location?

The term that describes the phenomenon of people returning home after living in a different location is "return migration." This concept emphasizes a specific movement pattern where individuals who have migrated to another area for various reasons—such as work, education, or family—choose to come back to their place of origin.

Return migration can occur for a variety of reasons, including a desire to reconnect with family, cultural ties, or improved economic conditions in their home region. It is an integral aspect of migration studies, as it highlights not only the journey away from home but also the complexities involved in returning and the effects of this movement on both the individual and the home community.

Other terms, like expatriate relocation, refer to living in another country primarily for work or lifestyle reasons without the specific intent to return. Economic migration generally deals with moving to improve economic conditions without necessarily implying a return. Seasonal migration pertains to temporary movement that follows a cyclic pattern, such as moving to a different location for part of the year, often for agricultural work, rather than a permanent return.