What term describes individuals who worked for a set period of time in exchange for passage to a colony?

The term that describes individuals who worked for a set period of time in exchange for passage to a colony is "indentured servants." Indentured servitude was a prevalent practice, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries, where individuals signed contracts agreeing to work for a landowner or employer for a specified number of years, typically between four to seven years. In return for their labor, these servants received transportation to the colonies, along with food, shelter, and sometimes a small wage or land upon completion of their service.

This system allowed many impoverished individuals from Europe to seek a new life in the American colonies, where opportunities for land and work were abundant, albeit challenging. Indentured servitude was a key labor source before the transition to slavery became more common as an economic practice in the colonies. Therefore, the option of indentured servants accurately captures this unique labor relationship characterized by a defined term of service tied to migration.