Global Migration Trends

Migration and Immigration Statistics by Country: 10 Key Numbers

Migration Trends Over Time

In Europe, statistics reveal that it hosts the largest number of international migrants. As of 2020, the continent was home to an estimated 86.7 million migrants. Asia follows closely behind with 85.6 million migrants. The aforementioned regions have seen a steady incline in migrant populations since 2005, showcasing Europe and Asia as significant focal points in global migration discussions.

The U.S. Census Bureau noted a rebound in net international migration to the United States after a dip during the COVID-19 pandemic, signaling a return to pre-pandemic levels. Between 2020 and 2021, net migration contributed an additional 247,000 individuals to the US population.

The Global Migration Data Portal provides a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in global migration. The 2021 Global Migration Indicators report delivers insights into various aspects of migration including the volume of remittances, the rate of migrant flows, and the policies affecting them.

In the examination of historical data, it is evident that international migration has displayed a consistent upward trend. According to the International Organization for Migration, the global population of international migrants reached approximately 281 million in 2020, marking the rise of migration over the past fifty years.

Net migration by region since 1960

The early 21st century has seen distinct migration trends emerge. Data reflects a pattern where both Europe and Asia have become prominent hubs for international migrants. As reported by the Pew Research Center, as of 2020, an estimated 86.7 million migrants resided in Europe with Asia closely following at 85.6 million.

Top 20 countries for net migration increase over the last 20 years

Fluctuations in migration figures have been notably influenced by global circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, inducing a significant reduction in cross-border movements. This assertion is supported by the Migration Policy Institute, which notes the pandemic’s substantial impact on human mobility, resulting in a near standstill at the height of travel restrictions.

Despite these interruptions, efforts at international cooperation, such as the Global Compact for Migration, strive to facilitate safe and orderly migration. The initiative seeks to address migration issues while considering the complexities of modern migratory flows, as presented in the International Migration Outlook 2023 by the OECD.

The end of Covid-19 restrictions resulted in a sharp increase in net migration - the impact of which is still being seen

In 2022, many countries experienced a significant rise in net migration, for example, the UK reached 745,000, up from 184,000 in 2019. This has also been seen in migration figures over the preceding period - with the USA seeing a drop from 1,158,444 in 2019 to 675,650 in 2020.

These sharp changes highlight a global trend where migration flows can change dramatically in a short period, often influenced by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

International students are expected to play a greater role in migration trends over the next 10 years

A significant portion of the future migration is projected to come from international students. This underscores a global trend where international education is a key driver of temporary migration, with many students returning to their home countries after their studies. As an example, the government is expecting that 22% of people emigrating to the UK are doing so on student visas, up from 14% in 2014.

Long-term stay rates are impacted by the reason people migrate

The long-term stay rates of migrants vary by visa category, with work visa holders more likely to remain than students. This reflects a broader global trend where the likelihood of long-term settlement is influenced by the nature of the initial migration (work, study, family reunification).

Net Migration by Class

Net migration can typically be categorized into different classes based on migrants' reasons for moving, such as work, education, family reunification, or asylum. These classes also reflect on public policies and global migration indicators.

For those migrating for work, the migration class is often determined by the skill level and the demand in the labor market. Skilled workers and business migrants usually have distinct pathways and policies facilitating their movement. On the other hand, low-skilled workers might migrate through temporary work programs or less formal means, often responding to labor shortages in certain industries.

Educational migrants involve individuals moving for access to schooling or academic research opportunities. This class includes students and academic professionals, whose migration is usually temporary but can lead to longer-term residency depending on post-graduation opportunities and policies.

Family class migration pertains to individuals joining family members who are already residing in a foreign country. This can involve spouses, children, and other dependents, and is regulated through family reunification laws that vary by country.

Lastly, the asylum class includes refugees and other individuals seeking protection due to persecution, conflict, or violence. Their migration trends are guided by international agreements and public policies dedicated to human rights and protection.

Each class impacts the migrant population differently, influencing not just raw numbers but also public perception and policy. Understanding the nuances of each class is essential when analyzing global migration trends.

Net Migration by Country Income

Income level is defined as the level within that country overall, as opposed to a person.

For example, a person moving from Burkina Faso to the USA would be considered as moving from a low-income country to a high-income country.

Global Conflict Impact on Migration

Conflict is a significant driver of forced migration, causing individuals to flee their countries of origin in search of safety. This displacement puts pressure on governance in host countries to accommodate and integrate refugees into society. The Syrian civil war, for example, has led to a massive exodus, with millions seeking refuge worldwide. The effect of such upheaval is profound, often requiring international cooperation to ensure refugees can settle and contribute to their new communities while maintaining ties to their homeland.

Percentage of Workforce That Are Immigrants by Country

Across the globe, the proportion of immigrants in the workforce varies significantly, influenced by economic opportunities, immigration policies, and historical patterns.

In North America, the United States stands out, with immigrants comprising approximately 17% of the workforce. This reflects the nation's long-standing history as a destination for migrants seeking employment and better living conditions.

Europe presents a diverse landscape. Countries like Germany and the United Kingdom see immigrants making up around 18% and 16% of their workforce, respectively. The demand for labor, coupled with the free movement within the European Union, contributes to these figures.

Australia's vibrant economy and point-based immigration system attract a considerable number of skilled migrants, resulting in roughly 30% of its workforce being born overseas.

In contrast, countries in Asia and Latin America generally have lower percentages of their workforce comprised of immigrants. For instance, Japan's immigrant workforce is quite small due to its stringent immigration policies, while Latin American countries often serve more as sources of migrant workers rather than destinations.

Source: World Population Review

Here is a brief overview of the workforce composition in key regions:

• United States: ~17%

• United Kingdom: ~16%

• Germany: ~18%

• Australia: ~30%

These figures underscore the significant role that immigrants play in various economies around the world.

World Immigration Stats

Migration statistics show that as of 2020, 3.60% of people live in a country they weren’t born in.

This means about one in thirty people will migrate in their lives. Since 1990, this percentage has been growing from 2.81% to 3.60% that we see today. In other words, there were 151 million migrants in 1990, whereas that number grew to 281 million in 2020.

(World Migration Report)

The UNHCR expects refugee statistics will show 117.2 million displaced and stateless people by the end of 2023.

In 2022, for the first time in history, refugee statistics show over 100 million people are displaced globally.

If all forcibly displaced people lived in one country, that country would have the twelfth largest population in the world. In 2022, conflict in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Nigeria, Afghanistan, DR of the Congo, and Ukraine forced more people to leave their homes.

(UNHCR)

India has the most citizens abroad with 17.9 million people in total.

The country with the second-largest diaspora is Mexico with 11.1 million people living abroad, according to the latest UN report from 2020.

However, with the scope of political changes, conflict, and climate disasters that happened in 2023, the numbers for some of these countries are most likely much higher at the moment.

In fact, according to data from 2023, Ukraine is sadly very high at the top of this list. The UNHCR recorded more than 8 million Ukranian refugees across the entirety of Europe. This, in fact, makes up almost 20% of the countries population.

(World Population Review, Cream)

The US has the highest number of immigrants in the world.

US immigration statistics reflect the fact that the US population has been built on immigration since its beginnings. Today, it’s still the most popular destination for immigrants. The latest statistics put the number of immigrants in the US at 50.6 million or 15.3% of the US population.

(World Migration Report)

Almost a fifth of all the world’s immigrants live in the US, making it the country with the highest immigration rate in the world.

When looking at the five countries with the highest immigration rates, we can see that the US is followed by Germany, with almost 16 million immigrants as of the latest report, and Saudi Arabia with 13 million. The fourth most popular destination for immigration is the Russian Federation while the UK comes fifth.

(World Migration Report)

Russian immigration statistics immigrant numbers going down significantly.

When it comes to the countries with the most immigrants, Russia ranks third worldwide in terms of its immigrant population. Most of the people who immigrate to Russia come from former Soviet republics, with Tajikistan being the most common country of origin in 2021, with almost 127 thousand people from this country changing their residence to Russia. The second most common country of origin in 2021 was Ukraine with close to 123 thousand people moving to Russia.

However, while the country had 10.13 million foreigners living within its borders, this number dropped to 5.99 million in May of 2022. It's safe to say that this number has dropped even lower since more than a year has passed.

(World Migration Report, Statista)

Russia had the highest net migration rate in Europe in 2021.

In Russia, the immigration rate in 2021 was higher than its emigration rate, meaning it received more people than it had lost in the given year. All in all, the Russian Federation gained 320,617 people from immigration in 2021, mainly due to its immigration policies relaxing.

Now its numbers have halved, because of the Russo-Ukraine war.

(Statista)

Only 2.2% of people in Japan are immigrants.

Despite the small drop in 2021, compared to 2020, people are increasingly moving to Japan, immigration statistics show there are 2.89 million immigrants in Japan as of 2021. This immigration rate is at the lower end of the global spectrum (with Japan also accepting only 74 refugees in 2021). However, that’s still double compared to 2000 when only 1.26% of people in Japan were immigrants, so Japan had some of the lowest immigration rates by country in the world.

(Statista)

The highest immigration percentage by country belongs to Vatican City at 100%.

The smallest country in the world is unsurprisingly populated by immigrants entirely. However, after Vatican City, the next country on the list is Tokelau at 91%, followed by UAE at 88%, and Qatar at 77%.

(World Population Review)

US Immigration Statistics By Country of Origin

23.6% of immigrants in the US come from Mexico.

Sending money to Mexicois a popular corridor for transfers as Mexico is the most frequent country of origin for US immigrants. Stats on immigration put the total number of legal permanent residents from Mexico at 2.97 million in 2022.

(Migration Policy Institute, Office of Immigration Statistics)

830 thousand or 5% of legal permanent residents originate from China.

People born in China make up the second-highest number of immigrants in the US. They represent 5% of all immigrants in the US, according to the latest US immigration statistics.

(Office of Immigration Statistics)

India is the third most common country of origin among legal permanent residents with 580 thousand people.

Immigration numbers by country show the Dominican Republic is the fourth most common country of origin with 550 thousand LPRs in 2022. Number five is the Philippines with 510 thousand, followed by Cuba at 500 thousand. Cuba is followed by Vietnam with 360 thousand legal permanent residents and El Salvador with 320 thousand.

(Office of Immigration Statistics)

70% of US immigrants come from 20 countries, according to legal immigrant statistics.

Including the eight countries we have named so far, US immigrants mostly come from 20 countries of origin. However, 3.94 million people come from all other countries in the world, showing that the US is still a popular destination for people from all over the world who want to look for happiness elsewhere.

(Office of Immigration Statistics)

At 5.6 million, North America is the most common region of origin for LPRs in 2022.

Most LPRs come from North America, including Mexico and Canada. Concerning immigration from Canada to the USA, statistics show there are about 270 thousand people born in Canada that are LPRs in the US as of 2022.

(Office of Immigration Statistics)

Asia is the second most common region of origin for US immigrants with 4.1 million LPRs.

Statistics on immigration point out that Asia comes second with 4.1 million while Europe comes third with 1.4 million. The last is South America with 840 thousand immigrants. With 940 thousand people coming from other regions or with their region of origin unknown, the total comes to 12.9 million people with legal permanent resident status in 2022.

(Office of Immigration Statistics)

UK Immigration Statistics and Facts

UK immigrant statistics show there are about 9.6 million immigrants in the UK.

Foreign-born people make up 14.5% of the UK population, while the percentage is much lower for foreign nationals at 9.1% (6 million people). The number of foreign nationals has also grown. However, this may have been the consequence of Brexit, as many UK citizens who were able to get dual citizenship from one of the EU countries have done so, especially for EU8 countries.

(House of Commons Library)

9.3% of all migrants residing in the UK were born in India.

According to UK immigration statistics by country of origin, the 896,000 migrants from India account for the largest share of 9.3% of the foreign-born population in the UK. The second largest share of 7.1%, or 682,000 residents, are migrants from Poland, and 4.7%, or 456,000 residents are migrants from Pakistan.

Furthermore, 412,000 migrants are from the Republic of Ireland, 347,000 are from Germany, and 329,000 are from Romania, and they each account for 4.3%, 3.6%, and 3.4% of the foreign-born population in the UK.

(Migration Observatory)

9.7% of UK migrants have non-UK nationality.

UK immigration statistics by country reveal that the largest share of 11.6%, or 696,000, of the residents with non-UK nationality are migrants from Poland. An equal share of 6.2%, or 370,000, of the residents with non-UK nationality are migrants from India and the Republic of Ireland.

Similarly, an equal share of 5.7%, or 342,000, are migrants from Romania and Italy. Finally, 4.5%, or 268,000, of the residents with non-UK nationality are from Portugal, 3.4%, or 206,000, are from Spain, and an equal share of 3%, or 181,000, are from Pakistan and Nigeria.

(Migration Observatory)

37% of the people who live in London are migrants.

Data on immigration to London suggests that more than one in every three Londoners is foreign-born. Moreover, the share of migrants in any other region in the UK isn’t as significant as in the country’s capital.

Namely, migrants account for 14% of the South East and 13% of the East regions’ populations. Additionally, 10% of the populations in Scotland, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North West region are migrants. In the South West region and Northern Ireland, migrants account for 8%, and in Wales and the North East region, they account for 6% of the total population.

(Migration Observatory)

The median yearly earnings of the foreign population in the UK is £30,000.

In comparison, the UK-born population had a slightly lower annual median income of £28,600. Migrants from North America and India had the highest median yearly earnings of £36,000, followed by those born in the EU-14 countries, whose median was £35,000.

The median for migrants born in all non-EU countries was £31,400, while those born in all EU countries earned a median of £28,400 per year. Migrants born in the EU-8 and EU-2 countries had the lowest median yearly earnings of £25,000 and £24,900.

(Migration Observatory)

90% of the male migrants from the EU-2 and EU-8 countries in the UK are employed.

Data on employment in the UK shows that 83% of foreign-born working-age men are employed, while the portion of UK-born working-age men who are employed is slightly lower at 78%.

Male migrants from the EU-2 and EU-8 have the highest employment rates, followed by male migrants from India, with 87%, and those from North America & Oceania, with 85%.

On the other hand, male migrants from the MENA and Central Asia regions have the lowest employment rate of 69%.

(Migration Observatory)

Only 38% of female migrants from Pakistan and South Asia in the UK are employed.

Statistics on the UK immigrant population in the workforce reveal that women have lower employment rates than men across all groups. In addition to women from Pakistan and South Asia, the employment rate of female migrants from the MENA and Central Asia regions is notably low at 43%.

Unemployment statistics for the UK indicate a similar trend for migrants from India as well. Even though male migrants from India have one the highest employment rates, the employment rate for female migrants from India is only 66%. On the other hand, female migrants born in the EU-8 countries have a significantly higher employment rate at 80%.

(Migration Observatory)

34% of the foreign-born population in the UK are highly skilled workers.

The percentage of foreigners in the UK with educational credentials to qualify for a highly skilled job is slightly higher than UK-born workers, 30% of whom are classified as highly skilled.

Additionally, stats 27% of all migrant workers in the UK are overqualified for the jobs they have, while the share of UK-born residents in such situations is lower at 22%. Finally, stats show that the share of unemployed migrant workers who claimed unemployment benefits in 2020 was 27%, while it was 36% for UK-born workers.

(Migration Observatory)

Only 38% of female migrants from Pakistan and South Asia in the UK are employed.

Statistics on the UK immigrant population in the workforce reveal that women have lower employment rates than men across all groups. In addition to women from Pakistan and South Asia, the employment rate of female migrants from the MENA and Central Asia regions is notably low at 43%.

Unemployment statistics for the UK indicate a similar trend for migrants from India as well. Even though male migrants from India have one the highest employment rates, the employment rate for female migrants from India is only 66%. On the other hand, female migrants born in the EU-8 countries have a significantly higher employment rate at 80%.

(Migration Observatory)

EU Immigration Statistics By Country

As of 2022, there are at least 23.8 million immigrants in the European Union.

This statistic on immigration means at least 5.3% of people in the EU are considered immigrants. The largest share of EU nationals that chose to live in a country other than their own comes from Romania at three million. Next, there’s Poland with 1.5 million people in the rest of the EU, and Italy is in third place, with very close to 1.5 million.

(Eurostat)

At over 15 million, Germany has the highest number of foreign-born inhabitants in Europe.

The two EU members with the highest immigration rates by country are Germany (15 million people) and France (8.5 million). Regarding the third country, Spain, immigration statistics estimate there are 7 million foreign-born inhabitants. Italy comes fourth at 6.1 million. The Netherlands comes next but is far behind at 2 million foreign-born people, similarly to Belgium and Sweden. Malta, being a small island country, has around 119 thousand foreign-born inhabitants.

(Statista)

In the EU, Luxembourg has the highest share of immigrants per capita by country, 37.5 per 1000 inhabitants.

After Luxembourg, Cyprus is next at 29 immigrants per 1000 inhabitants. It’s followed by Malta, which, although it has the lowest number of immigrants, still has a high rate of immigration compared to its population size, at 26.9 per 1000.

(Eurostat)

48% of the migrants born in countries that are members of the EU move to the UK for work.

Moving because of family is the second most commonly cited reason EU-born migrants have for moving to the UK, shared by 30%, while just 13% of them moved to the UK for studies.

In contrast, only 23% of migrants born in non-EU countries moved to the UK for work, and moving because of family is their most commonly shared reason, cited by 46% of them. 17% of the non-EU migrants also moved to the UK for studies.

(Migration Observatory)

Undocumented Immigration Statistics

422,400 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave the EU in 2022.

2022 showed an increase in the deportation of illegal immigrants, statistics point out. The increase was especially prominent in the second quarter, both compared to the first quarter of the year and Q1 of 2022. France has issued the highest number of orders to leave at over 30 thousand in each quarter. The other two countries that issued the most orders were Greece and Croatia.

(Eurostat)

EU illegal immigration statistics show 1,081,200 people illegally presents in the EU in 2022.

In 2022, there were 59% more illegal immigrants in the EU compared to the year before that. Most people that were discovered illegally in the EU were people from Syria, Morocco, and Afghanistan.

(Eurostat)

The number of illegal immigrants in the US is estimated at around 11 million.

The latest statistics show that 11 million unauthorized immigrants live in the US as of 2019. However, one interesting fact about immigration is that being an illegal immigrant does not mean being invisible to the system. In the US, illegal immigrants paid $36 billion in tax in the year of measurement (2014).

(MPI)

There are between 800,000 and 1.2 million undocumented migrants in the United Kingdom.

While it is impossible to provide a specific number, the latest research estimates the number of undocumented migrants in the United Kingdom to be around a million. According to the latest UK illegal immigration statistics, the largest share of these people, or 82%, entered the country legally with a temporary permit but stayed long after their visas had expired.

Researchers believe that only 15% of these migrants entered the UK illegally or through a clandestine entry. Moreover, it is believed that 86% of the illegal residents have been in the UK for longer than five years, while 66% have even been staying in the country for over a decade.

(JCWI)

Immigration Statistics by Country FAQ