GITNUXREPORT 2026

Migration Statistics

Migration continues to grow globally, shaping economies and societies in profound ways.

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Sub-Saharan Africa had 40 million internal migrants in 2020.

Statistic 2

Nigeria hosted 1.8 million IDPs in 2023.

Statistic 3

South Africa had 2.9 million migrants, 5% population.

Statistic 4

Ethiopia sheltered 920,000 refugees, hosted 4 million IDPs.

Statistic 5

DR Congo had 6.9 million IDPs in 2023.

Statistic 6

Somalia's refugees abroad: 3.8 million.

Statistic 7

Sudan's IDPs reached 9.1 million post-2023 conflict.

Statistic 8

Morocco hosted 100,000 sub-Saharan migrants.

Statistic 9

Kenya sheltered 800,000 refugees in Dadaab.

Statistic 10

Uganda hosted 1.5 million refugees.

Statistic 11

Remittances to SSA: $53 billion in 2023.

Statistic 12

Intra-African migration: 50% of continental flows.

Statistic 13

Libya transit migrants: 700,000.

Statistic 14

Sahel displacement: 3 million IDPs.

Statistic 15

Zimbabwe hosted 20,000 refugees.

Statistic 16

Angola repatriated 150,000 refugees.

Statistic 17

West Africa ECOWAS free movement benefits 400 million.

Statistic 18

South Africa xenophobia displaced 10,000 in 2023.

Statistic 19

Remittances growth in Africa: 9% in 2023.

Statistic 20

AU migration policy ratified by 40 states.

Statistic 21

Migration boosts GDP by 2% in host African countries.

Statistic 22

Australia had 7.7 million overseas-born residents in 2023, 29.3% of population.

Statistic 23

New Zealand's migrant inflow was 173,000 in year to June 2023.

Statistic 24

Japan's foreign residents reached 3.3 million in 2023, 2.6%.

Statistic 25

South Korea issued 120,000 E-9 visas for unskilled workers in 2023.

Statistic 26

Singapore's foreign workforce: 1.5 million in 2023, 25% of labor force.

Statistic 27

India's net migration rate is -0.4 per 1,000 in 2023.

Statistic 28

China had 1 million outbound migrants annually pre-COVID.

Statistic 29

Philippines OFWs remitted $36.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 30

Australia's humanitarian intake: 20,000 places in 2023-24.

Statistic 31

Indonesia hosted 13,500 refugees in 2023.

Statistic 32

Malaysia's foreign workers: 2 million registered in 2023.

Statistic 33

Thailand had 2.5 million migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia in 2023.

Statistic 34

Vietnam sent 150,000 labor migrants abroad in 2023.

Statistic 35

Bangladesh labor migration: 450,000 in 2023.

Statistic 36

Pacific Islands net migration loss of 10,000 annually.

Statistic 37

Hong Kong's foreign domestic workers: 370,000 in 2023.

Statistic 38

Taiwan hosted 700,000 migrant workers in 2023.

Statistic 39

Australia's Indian-born migrants: 800,000 in 2023.

Statistic 40

Japan's refugee recognition rate: 1% in 2023, 303 accepted.

Statistic 41

South Korea's F-2 visas for long-term residents: 200,000.

Statistic 42

In 2020, 112 million women were international migrants.

Statistic 43

Children under 20 comprised 31% of forcibly displaced in 2022.

Statistic 44

65% of Syrian refugees are women and children.

Statistic 45

Europe's migrant population aged 20-34: 40%.

Statistic 46

US Hispanic population growth 80% from immigration 2000-2020.

Statistic 47

Africa's youth migrants (15-24): 20 million.

Statistic 48

48% of global migrants are female.

Statistic 49

Refugees over 60: only 4% of total.

Statistic 50

Indian diaspora: 60% under 40 years old.

Statistic 51

EU third-country nationals: 50% from Asia/Africa.

Statistic 52

25% of Canada's population foreign-born, half Asia.

Statistic 53

Venezuelan migrants: 55% female.

Statistic 54

Rural-urban migrants in China: 290 million.

Statistic 55

Gulf migrants: 90% male labor migrants.

Statistic 56

US Asian immigrants: 31 million, 7% population.

Statistic 57

Elderly migrants (65+): 28 million globally.

Statistic 58

40% of Rohingya refugees are children.

Statistic 59

Mexico-US corridor: 70% family units now.

Statistic 60

Germany's Turkish diaspora: 3 million, second gen 50%.

Statistic 61

Philippines migrants: 60% female domestic workers.

Statistic 62

Africa's median migrant age: 25 years.

Statistic 63

EU family migrants: 30% of inflows.

Statistic 64

Stateless children: 70% of 4.4 million stateless.

Statistic 65

Brazilian Japanese descendants: 2 million.

Statistic 66

35% of migrants have tertiary education.

Statistic 67

Irregular migrants: 70% young males.

Statistic 68

Diaspora youth remittances focus on education.

Statistic 69

In 2020, 82 million international migrants lived in Europe.

Statistic 70

Migrants contributed 9.4% to UK GDP in 2018.

Statistic 71

US immigrants founded 55% of $1B+ startups.

Statistic 72

Remittances to LMICs: $626 billion in 2022, exceeding FDI.

Statistic 73

EU migrants fill 15% of high-skill jobs.

Statistic 74

Gulf migrants remit 10% of GDP in origin countries.

Statistic 75

Immigrants in Canada have 20% higher entrepreneurship rate.

Statistic 76

Mexican remittances grew 12% to $61B in 2023.

Statistic 77

Migrants pay $500B+ in taxes in OECD countries annually.

Statistic 78

25% of US Nobel laureates since 2000 are immigrants.

Statistic 79

Immigration increased US GDP per capita by 1-2% 1990-2010.

Statistic 80

Filipino remittances: 9% of GDP.

Statistic 81

EU migrant labor fills shortages in healthcare: 10% workforce.

Statistic 82

Global migrant savings transfers: $100B annually.

Statistic 83

Immigrants 28% more likely to start firms in US.

Statistic 84

Remittances reduce poverty by 4% in recipient households.

Statistic 85

OECD countries gain $6,600 per migrant in fiscal net.

Statistic 86

Indian diaspora investments: $100B FDI inflows.

Statistic 87

Migrants innovate 25% more patents per capita.

Statistic 88

Australia's migration adds 1% annual GDP growth.

Statistic 89

70% of African remittances used for education/health.

Statistic 90

US H-1B holders earn 25% above average.

Statistic 91

Global diaspora bonds raised $50B.

Statistic 92

Immigrants lower prices by 1% via competition.

Statistic 93

Remittances stable during crises, unlike FDI.

Statistic 94

In Germany, migrants contributed €22B net to budget 2012-2018.

Statistic 95

15% of global trade facilitated by migrant networks.

Statistic 96

Immigrants are 80% of net labor force growth in EU.

Statistic 97

Migrant entrepreneurs create 1.5x more jobs.

Statistic 98

Global remittances expected to reach $800B by 2024.

Statistic 99

Europe hosted 87 million international migrants in 2020, up from 56 million in 2000.

Statistic 100

In 2022, Germany had 16.8 million foreign-born residents, 20% of its population.

Statistic 101

The UK saw net migration of 606,000 in the year ending June 2023.

Statistic 102

France hosted 8.5 million immigrants in 2021, 13% of population.

Statistic 103

In 2022, 1.1 million asylum seekers applied in EU+ countries.

Statistic 104

Spain's foreign population reached 8.4 million in 2023, 17.3% of total.

Statistic 105

Italy had 5.05 million foreign residents in 2022, 8.5% of population.

Statistic 106

Sweden's immigrant population was 2.17 million in 2022, 20.6%.

Statistic 107

In 2023, Ukrainian refugees in Europe numbered over 6 million.

Statistic 108

Netherlands hosted 2.5 million immigrants in 2023, 14% of population.

Statistic 109

Poland issued 1.5 million work permits to foreigners in 2023.

Statistic 110

Belgium's migrant stock was 1.8 million in 2022, 15.5%.

Statistic 111

In 2022, EU Blue Card issuances totaled 36,400 for highly skilled migrants.

Statistic 112

Austria had 1.8 million foreign-born in 2023, 20% of population.

Statistic 113

Switzerland's foreign population was 2.3 million in 2022, 27%.

Statistic 114

Norway received 25,000 asylum applications in 2023.

Statistic 115

Denmark's immigrant share reached 13.8% in 2023.

Statistic 116

Finland hosted 450,000 foreign-born in 2023, 8.2%.

Statistic 117

Ireland's net migration was 77,600 in 2022.

Statistic 118

Portugal had 781,000 foreign residents in 2023, 7.5%.

Statistic 119

Greece saw 950,000 migrants in 2022, amid island arrivals of 40,000.

Statistic 120

Czech Republic issued 200,000 employee cards in 2023.

Statistic 121

Romania hosted 200,000 third-country nationals in 2022.

Statistic 122

Hungary received 80,000 asylum claims in 2023.

Statistic 123

In 2023, 45% of migrants in Western Europe were from EU countries.

Statistic 124

Eastern Europe's net migration was negative at -1.2 million in 2022.

Statistic 125

As of 2020, the global stock of international migrants stood at 281 million people, equivalent to 3.6% of the world's population.

Statistic 126

Between 2000 and 2020, the number of international migrants increased by 60%, from 173 million to 281 million.

Statistic 127

In 2020, Asia hosted the largest number of international migrants with 87 million, followed by Europe with 82 million.

Statistic 128

Women accounted for 48% of all international migrants in 2020, totaling approximately 135 million female migrants globally.

Statistic 129

The top destination for international migrants in 2020 was the United States with 51 million migrants, representing 18% of the global total.

Statistic 130

India was the largest country of origin for international migrants in 2020, with 18 million Indian-born migrants living abroad.

Statistic 131

From 2015 to 2020, the number of refugees worldwide increased by 7 million, reaching 26 million by mid-2021.

Statistic 132

In 2022, the total number of forcibly displaced people globally reached 108.4 million, including 35.3 million refugees.

Statistic 133

South-South migration accounted for 38% of all international migration in 2020, involving 107 million migrants.

Statistic 134

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 27% drop in international migrant stock growth between 2019 and 2020.

Statistic 135

By 2030, the international migrant stock is projected to reach 405 million if trends continue at current rates.

Statistic 136

In 2020, 74% of international migrants were of working age (15-64 years).

Statistic 137

The number of international students as migrants reached 5.6 million in 2020, a 25% increase from 2015.

Statistic 138

Undocumented migrants are estimated to comprise 10-30% of the global migrant stock, around 28-84 million people.

Statistic 139

Climate-induced displacement affected 21.5 million people annually from 2010-2019.

Statistic 140

In 2021, international remittances totaled $702 billion, with $605 billion going to low- and middle-income countries.

Statistic 141

Global migration corridors like Mexico-US saw 11 million migrants in 2020.

Statistic 142

The share of migrants in the global population rose from 2.9% in 1990 to 3.6% in 2020.

Statistic 143

In 2020, 85 million international migrants lived in high-income countries.

Statistic 144

Youth migrants (15-24 years) numbered 36 million globally in 2020.

Statistic 145

The Global Compact for Migration was endorsed by 164 UN member states in 2018.

Statistic 146

Internal displacement due to conflict and disasters reached 40.5 million new cases in 2022.

Statistic 147

281 million international migrants contributed $6.7 trillion to global GDP in 2015.

Statistic 148

By 2050, 143 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America may migrate due to climate slow-onset factors.

Statistic 149

In 2020, Europe received 1.2 million asylum applications.

Statistic 150

Global irregular border crossings detected by Frontex reached 330,000 in 2022.

Statistic 151

The number of stateless persons estimated globally is 4.4 million as of 2023.

Statistic 152

In 2022, 117 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide.

Statistic 153

Migration contributed to 9% of global population growth between 2000 and 2020.

Statistic 154

48% of international migrants were born in Asia in 2020.

Statistic 155

In 2019, 272 million international migrants represented 3.5% of world population.

Statistic 156

In 2020, Latin America and Caribbean hosted 15 million migrants.

Statistic 157

Brazil had 1.2 million Venezuelans in 2023.

Statistic 158

Mexico's migrant transit: 700,000 through Darien Gap in 2023.

Statistic 159

Argentina hosted 1.5 million immigrants, 3.4%.

Statistic 160

Colombia sheltered 2.5 million Venezuelans in 2023.

Statistic 161

Peru had 1.5 million Venezuelans in 2023.

Statistic 162

Chile's Haitian migrants: 200,000 in 2023.

Statistic 163

Central America's Northern Triangle sent 800,000 to US 2018-2023.

Statistic 164

Ecuador granted 100,000 visas to Venezuelans.

Statistic 165

Costa Rica hosted 300,000 Nicaraguans.

Statistic 166

Panama's Darien crossings: 520,000 in 2023.

Statistic 167

Uruguay's migrant stock: 100,000.

Statistic 168

Dominican Republic had 500,000 Haitians.

Statistic 169

Remittances to Latin America: $142 billion in 2023.

Statistic 170

60% of Venezuelans abroad since 2014.

Statistic 171

Brazil's refugee status to 60,000 Venezuelans.

Statistic 172

Guatemala's deportees from US: 20,000 annually.

Statistic 173

El Salvador Bitcoin migration policy attracted 1,000.

Statistic 174

UAE hosted 8.7 million migrants in 2020, 88% of population.

Statistic 175

Saudi Arabia had 13.5 million expatriates in 2023, 39%.

Statistic 176

Turkey hosted 3.6 million Syrian refugees in 2023.

Statistic 177

Jordan sheltered 660,000 Syrian refugees in 2023.

Statistic 178

Lebanon's Syrian refugees: 780,000 registered in 2023.

Statistic 179

Gulf Cooperation Council countries host 25 million migrants.

Statistic 180

Qatar's migrant population: 2.1 million, 88% in 2020.

Statistic 181

Kuwaiti expatriates: 3.1 million in 2023, 69%.

Statistic 182

Oman hosted 1.8 million migrants in 2023.

Statistic 183

Bahrain's foreign workers: 700,000, 50% of population.

Statistic 184

Iran hosted 3.4 million Afghans in 2023.

Statistic 185

Iraq returned 1.1 million IDPs in 2023.

Statistic 186

Yemen had 4.5 million IDPs in 2023.

Statistic 187

Israel absorbed 70,000 Ethiopian Jews since 1980s.

Statistic 188

Saudi kafala system governs 10 million workers.

Statistic 189

Turkey issued 1 million work permits in 2023.

Statistic 190

Egypt hosted 500,000 Sudanese refugees in 2023.

Statistic 191

Remittances to Middle East: $50 billion in 2022.

Statistic 192

90% of UAE workforce is migrant.

Statistic 193

Syrian refugees in Middle East: 5.6 million total.

Statistic 194

Gulf states deportation rate: 500,000 annually pre-reform.

Statistic 195

The US hosted 50.6 million immigrants in 2022, 15.1% of population.

Statistic 196

Canada admitted 431,645 permanent residents in 2022.

Statistic 197

Mexico had 1.2 million emigrants to the US in 2020.

Statistic 198

In 2023, US border encounters reached 2.5 million.

Statistic 199

Canada's immigrant population hit 8.3 million in 2023, 23%.

Statistic 200

Unauthorized immigrants in US numbered 11 million in 2022.

Statistic 201

US granted 1 million green cards in FY2022.

Statistic 202

Mexico received $60 billion in remittances in 2023.

Statistic 203

Canada issued 55,000 study permits in 2023.

Statistic 204

US asylum grants totaled 30,000 in FY2022.

Statistic 205

25% of Canada's population growth in 2023 was from immigration.

Statistic 206

Unauthorized Mexican immigrants in US dropped 60% since 2007 peak.

Statistic 207

US H-1B visas issued: 386,000 in FY2023.

Statistic 208

Canada's Express Entry invitations: 110,000 in 2023.

Statistic 209

4.6 million Venezuelans fled abroad by 2023, many to North America.

Statistic 210

US family-based immigration: 440,000 green cards in 2022.

Statistic 211

Mexico's northern border apprehensions: 700,000 in 2023.

Statistic 212

Canada's refugee resettlements: 76,000 in 2022.

Statistic 213

37% of US physicians are foreign-born.

Statistic 214

US deported 142,580 in FY2023.

Statistic 215

Gulf of Mexico unauthorized entries minimal, under 10,000 annually.

Statistic 216

Canada francophone immigration target: 8% outside Quebec in 2023.

Statistic 217

US STEM OPT extensions: 100,000 annually.

Statistic 218

India's diaspora in North America: 5 million in 2023.

Statistic 219

US temporary protected status beneficiaries: 700,000 in 2023.

Statistic 220

In 2020, Northern America hosted 59 million international migrants.

Statistic 221

In 2022, EU granted 3.7 million first residence permits.

Statistic 222

US asylum affirmative grants: 35,000 in FY2023.

Statistic 223

Canada's points system selected 60% economic migrants.

Statistic 224

Australia's skilled migration: 70% of permanent visas.

Statistic 225

EU Pact on Migration adopted in 2024, quotas for 30,000 relocations.

Statistic 226

Turkey-EU deal reduced crossings by 97% since 2016.

Statistic 227

US DACA protected 580,000 Dreamers in 2023.

Statistic 228

UK's points-based system post-Brexit: 250,000 visas 2023.

Statistic 229

France's talent passport: 10,000 annually.

Statistic 230

Spain's regularization: 600,000 in 2005.

Statistic 231

Italy quota system: 80,000 work permits 2023.

Statistic 232

Sweden family reunification: 20,000 grants yearly.

Statistic 233

Refugee resettlement: US 25,000, Canada 40,000 in 2023.

Statistic 234

Schengen visas issued: 10 million annually pre-COVID.

Statistic 235

EU return decisions: 300,000, 20% executed.

Statistic 236

Australia's offshore processing: 1,000 arrivals managed.

Statistic 237

MERCOSUR residence agreement benefits 5 million.

Statistic 238

African Continental Free Trade Area eases intra-migration.

Statistic 239

US parole for 500,000 Cubans/Haitians post-2022.

Statistic 240

Japan's specified skilled worker visas: 170,000 by 2024.

Statistic 241

Gulf Nitaqat system localized 20% jobs for nationals.

Statistic 242

EU Blue Card: 40,000 issued yearly.

Statistic 243

Global passports strength: Japan #1, Afghanistan #103.

Statistic 244

UNHCR resettled 110,000 refugees in 2023.

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Imagine a line stretching across continents, encompassing nearly 300 million people—a number that has swelled by 60% since the year 2000—each with a story of movement, resilience, and the profound search for a better life.

Key Takeaways

  • As of 2020, the global stock of international migrants stood at 281 million people, equivalent to 3.6% of the world's population.
  • Between 2000 and 2020, the number of international migrants increased by 60%, from 173 million to 281 million.
  • In 2020, Asia hosted the largest number of international migrants with 87 million, followed by Europe with 82 million.
  • Europe hosted 87 million international migrants in 2020, up from 56 million in 2000.
  • In 2022, Germany had 16.8 million foreign-born residents, 20% of its population.
  • The UK saw net migration of 606,000 in the year ending June 2023.
  • The US hosted 50.6 million immigrants in 2022, 15.1% of population.
  • Canada admitted 431,645 permanent residents in 2022.
  • Mexico had 1.2 million emigrants to the US in 2020.
  • Australia had 7.7 million overseas-born residents in 2023, 29.3% of population.
  • New Zealand's migrant inflow was 173,000 in year to June 2023.
  • Japan's foreign residents reached 3.3 million in 2023, 2.6%.
  • UAE hosted 8.7 million migrants in 2020, 88% of population.
  • Saudi Arabia had 13.5 million expatriates in 2023, 39%.
  • Turkey hosted 3.6 million Syrian refugees in 2023.

Migration continues to grow globally, shaping economies and societies in profound ways.

Africa

  • Sub-Saharan Africa had 40 million internal migrants in 2020.
  • Nigeria hosted 1.8 million IDPs in 2023.
  • South Africa had 2.9 million migrants, 5% population.
  • Ethiopia sheltered 920,000 refugees, hosted 4 million IDPs.
  • DR Congo had 6.9 million IDPs in 2023.
  • Somalia's refugees abroad: 3.8 million.
  • Sudan's IDPs reached 9.1 million post-2023 conflict.
  • Morocco hosted 100,000 sub-Saharan migrants.
  • Kenya sheltered 800,000 refugees in Dadaab.
  • Uganda hosted 1.5 million refugees.
  • Remittances to SSA: $53 billion in 2023.
  • Intra-African migration: 50% of continental flows.
  • Libya transit migrants: 700,000.
  • Sahel displacement: 3 million IDPs.
  • Zimbabwe hosted 20,000 refugees.
  • Angola repatriated 150,000 refugees.
  • West Africa ECOWAS free movement benefits 400 million.
  • South Africa xenophobia displaced 10,000 in 2023.
  • Remittances growth in Africa: 9% in 2023.
  • AU migration policy ratified by 40 states.
  • Migration boosts GDP by 2% in host African countries.

Africa Interpretation

While the heart-wrenching scale of displacement tells a story of turmoil, the resilient economic pulse of remittances and integration reveals a continent where people, in fleeing despair or seeking opportunity, are relentlessly stitching together Africa's future, one difficult journey at a time.

Asia-Pacific

  • Australia had 7.7 million overseas-born residents in 2023, 29.3% of population.
  • New Zealand's migrant inflow was 173,000 in year to June 2023.
  • Japan's foreign residents reached 3.3 million in 2023, 2.6%.
  • South Korea issued 120,000 E-9 visas for unskilled workers in 2023.
  • Singapore's foreign workforce: 1.5 million in 2023, 25% of labor force.
  • India's net migration rate is -0.4 per 1,000 in 2023.
  • China had 1 million outbound migrants annually pre-COVID.
  • Philippines OFWs remitted $36.1 billion in 2023.
  • Australia's humanitarian intake: 20,000 places in 2023-24.
  • Indonesia hosted 13,500 refugees in 2023.
  • Malaysia's foreign workers: 2 million registered in 2023.
  • Thailand had 2.5 million migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia in 2023.
  • Vietnam sent 150,000 labor migrants abroad in 2023.
  • Bangladesh labor migration: 450,000 in 2023.
  • Pacific Islands net migration loss of 10,000 annually.
  • Hong Kong's foreign domestic workers: 370,000 in 2023.
  • Taiwan hosted 700,000 migrant workers in 2023.
  • Australia's Indian-born migrants: 800,000 in 2023.
  • Japan's refugee recognition rate: 1% in 2023, 303 accepted.
  • South Korea's F-2 visas for long-term residents: 200,000.

Asia-Pacific Interpretation

The world is an intricate dance of departures and arrivals, where nations like Australia waltz with diversity, Singapore tangoes with labor dependency, and the Philippines and India bank the bittersweet remittances of their global children, all while Japan politely declines to join the refugee conga line.

Demographics

  • In 2020, 112 million women were international migrants.
  • Children under 20 comprised 31% of forcibly displaced in 2022.
  • 65% of Syrian refugees are women and children.
  • Europe's migrant population aged 20-34: 40%.
  • US Hispanic population growth 80% from immigration 2000-2020.
  • Africa's youth migrants (15-24): 20 million.
  • 48% of global migrants are female.
  • Refugees over 60: only 4% of total.
  • Indian diaspora: 60% under 40 years old.
  • EU third-country nationals: 50% from Asia/Africa.
  • 25% of Canada's population foreign-born, half Asia.
  • Venezuelan migrants: 55% female.
  • Rural-urban migrants in China: 290 million.
  • Gulf migrants: 90% male labor migrants.
  • US Asian immigrants: 31 million, 7% population.
  • Elderly migrants (65+): 28 million globally.
  • 40% of Rohingya refugees are children.
  • Mexico-US corridor: 70% family units now.
  • Germany's Turkish diaspora: 3 million, second gen 50%.
  • Philippines migrants: 60% female domestic workers.
  • Africa's median migrant age: 25 years.
  • EU family migrants: 30% of inflows.
  • Stateless children: 70% of 4.4 million stateless.
  • Brazilian Japanese descendants: 2 million.
  • 35% of migrants have tertiary education.
  • Irregular migrants: 70% young males.
  • Diaspora youth remittances focus on education.

Demographics Interpretation

The statistics paint a portrait of a youthful, feminizing, and often forcibly displaced global migrant, whose journey is less a singular adventure and more a family-oriented, economically driven relay race for survival and opportunity, with the old, the settled, and the statistically comfortable largely watching from the sidelines.

Economic Impacts

  • In 2020, 82 million international migrants lived in Europe.
  • Migrants contributed 9.4% to UK GDP in 2018.
  • US immigrants founded 55% of $1B+ startups.
  • Remittances to LMICs: $626 billion in 2022, exceeding FDI.
  • EU migrants fill 15% of high-skill jobs.
  • Gulf migrants remit 10% of GDP in origin countries.
  • Immigrants in Canada have 20% higher entrepreneurship rate.
  • Mexican remittances grew 12% to $61B in 2023.
  • Migrants pay $500B+ in taxes in OECD countries annually.
  • 25% of US Nobel laureates since 2000 are immigrants.
  • Immigration increased US GDP per capita by 1-2% 1990-2010.
  • Filipino remittances: 9% of GDP.
  • EU migrant labor fills shortages in healthcare: 10% workforce.
  • Global migrant savings transfers: $100B annually.
  • Immigrants 28% more likely to start firms in US.
  • Remittances reduce poverty by 4% in recipient households.
  • OECD countries gain $6,600 per migrant in fiscal net.
  • Indian diaspora investments: $100B FDI inflows.
  • Migrants innovate 25% more patents per capita.
  • Australia's migration adds 1% annual GDP growth.
  • 70% of African remittances used for education/health.
  • US H-1B holders earn 25% above average.
  • Global diaspora bonds raised $50B.
  • Immigrants lower prices by 1% via competition.
  • Remittances stable during crises, unlike FDI.
  • In Germany, migrants contributed €22B net to budget 2012-2018.
  • 15% of global trade facilitated by migrant networks.
  • Immigrants are 80% of net labor force growth in EU.
  • Migrant entrepreneurs create 1.5x more jobs.
  • Global remittances expected to reach $800B by 2024.

Economic Impacts Interpretation

The world's economic engine is quietly humming along on migration, which fuels innovation, fills crucial jobs, and funnels lifeline funds directly to families, proving that the movement of people isn't a drain but a dynamic and indispensable driver of global prosperity.

Europe

  • Europe hosted 87 million international migrants in 2020, up from 56 million in 2000.
  • In 2022, Germany had 16.8 million foreign-born residents, 20% of its population.
  • The UK saw net migration of 606,000 in the year ending June 2023.
  • France hosted 8.5 million immigrants in 2021, 13% of population.
  • In 2022, 1.1 million asylum seekers applied in EU+ countries.
  • Spain's foreign population reached 8.4 million in 2023, 17.3% of total.
  • Italy had 5.05 million foreign residents in 2022, 8.5% of population.
  • Sweden's immigrant population was 2.17 million in 2022, 20.6%.
  • In 2023, Ukrainian refugees in Europe numbered over 6 million.
  • Netherlands hosted 2.5 million immigrants in 2023, 14% of population.
  • Poland issued 1.5 million work permits to foreigners in 2023.
  • Belgium's migrant stock was 1.8 million in 2022, 15.5%.
  • In 2022, EU Blue Card issuances totaled 36,400 for highly skilled migrants.
  • Austria had 1.8 million foreign-born in 2023, 20% of population.
  • Switzerland's foreign population was 2.3 million in 2022, 27%.
  • Norway received 25,000 asylum applications in 2023.
  • Denmark's immigrant share reached 13.8% in 2023.
  • Finland hosted 450,000 foreign-born in 2023, 8.2%.
  • Ireland's net migration was 77,600 in 2022.
  • Portugal had 781,000 foreign residents in 2023, 7.5%.
  • Greece saw 950,000 migrants in 2022, amid island arrivals of 40,000.
  • Czech Republic issued 200,000 employee cards in 2023.
  • Romania hosted 200,000 third-country nationals in 2022.
  • Hungary received 80,000 asylum claims in 2023.
  • In 2023, 45% of migrants in Western Europe were from EU countries.
  • Eastern Europe's net migration was negative at -1.2 million in 2022.

Europe Interpretation

Europe is in the midst of a profound demographic transformation, becoming a tapestry of nations where, from Germany's factories to Poland's job sites, nearly one in five residents now carries a story of arrival, often written by necessity or hope, but sometimes by sheer desperation.

Global Overview

  • As of 2020, the global stock of international migrants stood at 281 million people, equivalent to 3.6% of the world's population.
  • Between 2000 and 2020, the number of international migrants increased by 60%, from 173 million to 281 million.
  • In 2020, Asia hosted the largest number of international migrants with 87 million, followed by Europe with 82 million.
  • Women accounted for 48% of all international migrants in 2020, totaling approximately 135 million female migrants globally.
  • The top destination for international migrants in 2020 was the United States with 51 million migrants, representing 18% of the global total.
  • India was the largest country of origin for international migrants in 2020, with 18 million Indian-born migrants living abroad.
  • From 2015 to 2020, the number of refugees worldwide increased by 7 million, reaching 26 million by mid-2021.
  • In 2022, the total number of forcibly displaced people globally reached 108.4 million, including 35.3 million refugees.
  • South-South migration accounted for 38% of all international migration in 2020, involving 107 million migrants.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 27% drop in international migrant stock growth between 2019 and 2020.
  • By 2030, the international migrant stock is projected to reach 405 million if trends continue at current rates.
  • In 2020, 74% of international migrants were of working age (15-64 years).
  • The number of international students as migrants reached 5.6 million in 2020, a 25% increase from 2015.
  • Undocumented migrants are estimated to comprise 10-30% of the global migrant stock, around 28-84 million people.
  • Climate-induced displacement affected 21.5 million people annually from 2010-2019.
  • In 2021, international remittances totaled $702 billion, with $605 billion going to low- and middle-income countries.
  • Global migration corridors like Mexico-US saw 11 million migrants in 2020.
  • The share of migrants in the global population rose from 2.9% in 1990 to 3.6% in 2020.
  • In 2020, 85 million international migrants lived in high-income countries.
  • Youth migrants (15-24 years) numbered 36 million globally in 2020.
  • The Global Compact for Migration was endorsed by 164 UN member states in 2018.
  • Internal displacement due to conflict and disasters reached 40.5 million new cases in 2022.
  • 281 million international migrants contributed $6.7 trillion to global GDP in 2015.
  • By 2050, 143 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America may migrate due to climate slow-onset factors.
  • In 2020, Europe received 1.2 million asylum applications.
  • Global irregular border crossings detected by Frontex reached 330,000 in 2022.
  • The number of stateless persons estimated globally is 4.4 million as of 2023.
  • In 2022, 117 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide.
  • Migration contributed to 9% of global population growth between 2000 and 2020.
  • 48% of international migrants were born in Asia in 2020.
  • In 2019, 272 million international migrants represented 3.5% of world population.

Global Overview Interpretation

Despite our often hostile rhetoric about borders, 2020's 281 million international migrants—just 3.6% of us, yet contributing trillions to global GDP—reveal a stubborn human truth: we are, and always have been, a species quietly but persistently in motion, driven by hope, crisis, and the fundamental need to simply find a better life.

Latin America

  • In 2020, Latin America and Caribbean hosted 15 million migrants.
  • Brazil had 1.2 million Venezuelans in 2023.
  • Mexico's migrant transit: 700,000 through Darien Gap in 2023.
  • Argentina hosted 1.5 million immigrants, 3.4%.
  • Colombia sheltered 2.5 million Venezuelans in 2023.
  • Peru had 1.5 million Venezuelans in 2023.
  • Chile's Haitian migrants: 200,000 in 2023.
  • Central America's Northern Triangle sent 800,000 to US 2018-2023.
  • Ecuador granted 100,000 visas to Venezuelans.
  • Costa Rica hosted 300,000 Nicaraguans.
  • Panama's Darien crossings: 520,000 in 2023.
  • Uruguay's migrant stock: 100,000.
  • Dominican Republic had 500,000 Haitians.
  • Remittances to Latin America: $142 billion in 2023.
  • 60% of Venezuelans abroad since 2014.
  • Brazil's refugee status to 60,000 Venezuelans.
  • Guatemala's deportees from US: 20,000 annually.
  • El Salvador Bitcoin migration policy attracted 1,000.

Latin America Interpretation

While the staggering statistics paint Latin America and the Caribbean as a region in profound motion—hosting millions, sheltering neighbors, and watching its own people leave—the true story is written in the quiet resilience of nations like Colombia and Brazil, the perilous journeys through the Darien Gap, and the bittersweet lifeline of $142 billion in remittances sent back home.

Middle East

  • UAE hosted 8.7 million migrants in 2020, 88% of population.
  • Saudi Arabia had 13.5 million expatriates in 2023, 39%.
  • Turkey hosted 3.6 million Syrian refugees in 2023.
  • Jordan sheltered 660,000 Syrian refugees in 2023.
  • Lebanon's Syrian refugees: 780,000 registered in 2023.
  • Gulf Cooperation Council countries host 25 million migrants.
  • Qatar's migrant population: 2.1 million, 88% in 2020.
  • Kuwaiti expatriates: 3.1 million in 2023, 69%.
  • Oman hosted 1.8 million migrants in 2023.
  • Bahrain's foreign workers: 700,000, 50% of population.
  • Iran hosted 3.4 million Afghans in 2023.
  • Iraq returned 1.1 million IDPs in 2023.
  • Yemen had 4.5 million IDPs in 2023.
  • Israel absorbed 70,000 Ethiopian Jews since 1980s.
  • Saudi kafala system governs 10 million workers.
  • Turkey issued 1 million work permits in 2023.
  • Egypt hosted 500,000 Sudanese refugees in 2023.
  • Remittances to Middle East: $50 billion in 2022.
  • 90% of UAE workforce is migrant.
  • Syrian refugees in Middle East: 5.6 million total.
  • Gulf states deportation rate: 500,000 annually pre-reform.

Middle East Interpretation

While the Gulf builds glittering towers on the shoulders of migrant majorities and Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon bear the staggering human cost of displacement, this entire region is quite literally being shaped by those who arrived with a suitcase and a prayer, sending hope—and fifty billion dollars—back home.

North America

  • The US hosted 50.6 million immigrants in 2022, 15.1% of population.
  • Canada admitted 431,645 permanent residents in 2022.
  • Mexico had 1.2 million emigrants to the US in 2020.
  • In 2023, US border encounters reached 2.5 million.
  • Canada's immigrant population hit 8.3 million in 2023, 23%.
  • Unauthorized immigrants in US numbered 11 million in 2022.
  • US granted 1 million green cards in FY2022.
  • Mexico received $60 billion in remittances in 2023.
  • Canada issued 55,000 study permits in 2023.
  • US asylum grants totaled 30,000 in FY2022.
  • 25% of Canada's population growth in 2023 was from immigration.
  • Unauthorized Mexican immigrants in US dropped 60% since 2007 peak.
  • US H-1B visas issued: 386,000 in FY2023.
  • Canada's Express Entry invitations: 110,000 in 2023.
  • 4.6 million Venezuelans fled abroad by 2023, many to North America.
  • US family-based immigration: 440,000 green cards in 2022.
  • Mexico's northern border apprehensions: 700,000 in 2023.
  • Canada's refugee resettlements: 76,000 in 2022.
  • 37% of US physicians are foreign-born.
  • US deported 142,580 in FY2023.
  • Gulf of Mexico unauthorized entries minimal, under 10,000 annually.
  • Canada francophone immigration target: 8% outside Quebec in 2023.
  • US STEM OPT extensions: 100,000 annually.
  • India's diaspora in North America: 5 million in 2023.
  • US temporary protected status beneficiaries: 700,000 in 2023.
  • In 2020, Northern America hosted 59 million international migrants.

North America Interpretation

The sheer scale and intricate machinery of North American migration—from the millions who arrive by policy or peril, to the billions sent home and the vital roles filled—reveals a continent perpetually reshaping itself through both open doors and guarded borders.

Policy

  • In 2022, EU granted 3.7 million first residence permits.
  • US asylum affirmative grants: 35,000 in FY2023.
  • Canada's points system selected 60% economic migrants.
  • Australia's skilled migration: 70% of permanent visas.
  • EU Pact on Migration adopted in 2024, quotas for 30,000 relocations.
  • Turkey-EU deal reduced crossings by 97% since 2016.
  • US DACA protected 580,000 Dreamers in 2023.
  • UK's points-based system post-Brexit: 250,000 visas 2023.
  • France's talent passport: 10,000 annually.
  • Spain's regularization: 600,000 in 2005.
  • Italy quota system: 80,000 work permits 2023.
  • Sweden family reunification: 20,000 grants yearly.
  • Refugee resettlement: US 25,000, Canada 40,000 in 2023.
  • Schengen visas issued: 10 million annually pre-COVID.
  • EU return decisions: 300,000, 20% executed.
  • Australia's offshore processing: 1,000 arrivals managed.
  • MERCOSUR residence agreement benefits 5 million.
  • African Continental Free Trade Area eases intra-migration.
  • US parole for 500,000 Cubans/Haitians post-2022.
  • Japan's specified skilled worker visas: 170,000 by 2024.
  • Gulf Nitaqat system localized 20% jobs for nationals.
  • EU Blue Card: 40,000 issued yearly.
  • Global passports strength: Japan #1, Afghanistan #103.
  • UNHCR resettled 110,000 refugees in 2023.

Policy Interpretation

From a global chessboard of quotas and points systems to humanitarian lifelines, the data paints a stark portrait of nations simultaneously opening doors for the skilled and sought-after while wrestling, often imperfectly, with the immense human weight of asylum, integration, and return.

Sources & References