What is the difference between an economic refugee and a political refugee?

An economic refugee is someone who flees their home country primarily due to severe economic hardship, such as lack of job opportunities, poverty, or poor living conditions. In contrast, a political refugee escapes their country because of persecution, threats, or violence due to their political beliefs, ethnicity, religion, or social group. While both seek safety and a better life, their motivations for leaving are fundamentally different, with economic refugees focusing on financial survival and political refugees on personal safety and freedom from oppression.