In this article, we will take a look at 20 Countries with Highest Net Migration. You can skip our detailed analysis and go directly to the 7 Countries with Highest Net Migration.
Fascinating archaeological findings over the years have sought to establish the movement of humans across regions, revealing their innate tendency for migration. The contemporary world has evolved to facilitate this transition, without significantly dampening its pace. In fact, international migration has increased over the years, reaching, according to the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM), a figure of 281 million migrants in 2020, which accounts for 3.6% of the total population. This marks an increase of 128 million people since 1990 who have moved away from their birth country, and it is over three times the estimated number in 1970.
Various drivers motivate movement across borders and regions, ranging from personal aspirations to the realities of life. However, a discernible pattern emerges, indicating a higher rate of migration towards affluent countries. Check out our article on 30 Countries with Highest Rates of Emigration. Regionally, Europe and Asia stand out as the areas with the highest number of international migrants, with 86.7 million in Europe and 85.6 million in Asia recorded in 2020. Among individual countries, the United States hosts the largest number of international migrants, totaling nearly 51 million in 2020. Additionally, the Latin America and Caribbean region has experienced significant growth as an international migrant hub, with its migrant population nearly doubling since 2005.
Social Drivers for Migration
Several key factors motivate people to leave their homeland and establish themselves in a new location. These include seeking a higher quality of life than what their original country can offer, as well as reuniting with family members already settled abroad. Developing and emerging countries often lack the standards of good quality of life found in developed, wealthier economies, which serves as a pull factor for migrants towards these destinations.
Political Drivers for Migration
Political reasons for migration encompass a multitude of factors, including war, regional conflict, oppressive regimes, denial of basic human rights, and freedom restrictions. In recent years, a growing number of people have been displaced due to forced migration, driven by persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and natural disasters. This includes refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced persons within their home countries. By the end of 2021, approximately 1.1% of the world's population (87.5 million people) were compelled to leave their homes, a stark increase from the 0.4% recorded in 1990. Humanitarian migration to Germany and the US, two of the leading countries offering asylum, nearly doubled in 2022, with arrivals from countries such as Venezuela, Cuba, Afghanistan, and Nicaragua.
Climatic Drivers for Migration
Climate disruption in recent years has triggered numerous adverse and hazardous situations, leading to increased human mobility. In 2022, the UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency, estimated that 31.8 million people were forcibly displaced annually due to weather-related sudden-onset hazards. The primary causes include floods affecting 19.2 million people, storms affecting 10 million, droughts affecting 2.2 million, and the remaining displacement attributed to wildfires, landslides, and extreme temperatures.
Economic Drivers for Migration
The disparity between developed and developing nations extends beyond access to basic amenities to encompass a wider range of job opportunities and significantly higher wages compared to individuals' home countries. The promise of faster career growth has driven many migrants towards developed economies like the United States. Home to some of the largest tech conglomerates globally, the US serves as a magnetic destination for skilled labor from around the world. Companies such as Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) are revered names in the tech industry and represent dream job opportunities for many tech workers. The resources and growth prospects offered by these companies serve as a compelling draw for career-oriented migrants. Notably, these Silicon Valley giants-- Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META)-- have been observed to sponsor numerous workers through H-1B visas. According to data from the US Department of Labor, Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) led the way by sponsoring a total of 8,493 H-1B visas in 2019, followed by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) with 3,110 visas, and Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) with 1,704 visas.
20 Countries with Highest Net Migration
Methodology
To identify the 20 Countries with the Highest Net Migration, we analyzed data from the World Bank Data site, which provides net migration numbers by country from 1960 to 2022. We have ranked our list in ascending order of net migration figures from 2022, the latest year available. Additionally, we examined the Quality of Life Index and Climate Index for these countries, sourced from Numbeo's 2024 data, and the Safety Index ranking from Global Finance Magazine's Safety Index for 2023. Furthermore, we also talked about the foreign-born employment rate for the year 2022, utilizing data available from the OECD. Finally, we look at the 2023 net migration rate from the CIA-World Factbook as well.
Note: We do not take into consideration countries which lie low on the safety index (ranked above 110) like South Africa, Moldova and Venezuela or where rise in net migration might be due to deportation of their refugees like Syria.
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Let us now take a look at our list for 20 Countries with Highest Net Migration.
20. Saudi Arabia
Net Migration: 28,998
As a relatively developed Gulf nation, Saudi Arabia offers significant advantages to immigrants. The country boasts a favorable quality of life, ranked 28th among 85 countries, which attracts many individuals from around the world, particularly from emerging economies. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is recognized as one of the safest countries, holding the 19th position globally in safety rankings. However, it's worth noting that the climate tends to be hot. The country also maintains a notable net migration rate of 6.1 migrants per 1,000 population.
19. South Korea
Net Migration: 29,998
South Korea is rapidly emerging as a destination with a rising influx of immigrants. While the quality of life in the country is not exceptionally high, it still ranks favorably at number 37 on the index. Moreover, South Korea stands among the top twenty safest countries, holding the 17th position. However, the climate is not particularly appealing, often characterized by hot and humid conditions. The recorded net migration rate in the country stands at 2.6 migrants per 1,000 population.
18. Netherlands
Net Migration: 29,998
Ranked 2nd on the Quality of Life Index, the Netherlands is renowned for offering a high standard of living to its residents and therefore, is one of the countries with the highest net migration. Additionally, it secures the 33rd position among the safest countries globally. The country's favorable weather further adds to its appeal for many individuals. Moreover, the high percentage of foreign-born individuals employed in the workforce (70.3%) indicates promising job prospects for immigrants. With a net migration rate of 4.1 migrants per 1,000 population, the Netherlands stands as an increasingly desirable destination for those seeking a better future.
17. Belarus
Net Migration: 30,308
Belarus ranks relatively high on the Quality of Life Index, securing the 54th position, indicating a promising prospect for immigrants seeking high-standard amenities of life. The country's temperate weather also encourages people to settle down. With a net migration rate of 0.9 migrants per 1,000 population, Belarus presents itself as a potential destination for those looking for a better quality of life and marking as a country with a high net migration.
16. Switzerland
Net Migration: 39,998
As one of the most advanced nations in Europe, Switzerland has consistently attracted migrants seeking a high standard of living. Ranked 7th on the Quality of Life Index, the country offers excellent amenities and opportunities. Switzerland also stands out as one of the safest countries globally, securing the 14th place according to Global Finance Magazine data. While the climate index may not be exceptionally high, it remains at a moderate level and is preferable compared to many other countries. Moreover, immigrants in Switzerland have a high chance of employment, with a foreign-born employment rate of 75.3%. With a net migration rate of 6 migrants per 1,000 population, Switzerland emerges as one of the places of high net migration.
15. Sweden
Net Migration: 39,998
Being one of the popular migrant destinations in Europe, Sweden stands out as a country with one of the highest net migration rates. With a quality of life score of 175 (ranking 14th on the index), Sweden promises to provide its citizens with a high standard of living. While the country may not rank exceptionally high on the climate index, it boasts a fairly good safety situation, securing the 31st place globally. Additionally, the foreign-born employment rate is quite favorable at 68.8%. With a net migration rate of 3.8 migrants per 1,000 population, Sweden continues to be an attractive destination for those seeking a better quality of life.
14. Spain
Net Migration: 39,998
As another European nation that fulfills the desires of immigrants seeking a high quality of life, Spain ranks among the countries with the highest net migration rate. With a quality of life index ranking of 12 and a climate index ranking of 14, Spain emerges as one of the most desirable options for migration. While the safety index may not be exceptionally high, the employment rate for foreign-born individuals at 63.5% indicates a positive outlook. The country boasts a net migration rate of 4.2 migrants per 1,000 population, further solidifying its appeal as a destination for those seeking a better quality of life.
13. Malaysia
Net Migration: 48,997
With a quality of life index score of 125.8 and a ranking of 48th among 85 countries, Malaysia stands out as one of the popular Asian destinations for immigrants, earning its place among the countries with the highest net migration. Although the country does not boast a particularly favorable climate, its safety index remains reasonably favorable. Malaysia maintains a net migration rate of 1.5 migrants per 1,000 population, further solidifying its appeal as a destination for those seeking opportunities and a better quality of life.
12. Italy
Net Migration: 58,496
Although the quality of life and safety index may not be as high as observed in other European countries, Italy remains one of the countries with the highest net migration. The climate, however, is pleasant, and the employment rate for foreign-born individuals, standing at 62.4%, indicates favorable prospects for work settlement. Italy maintains a net migration rate of 3.2 migrants per 1,000 population, highlighting its appeal as a destination for those seeking opportunities and a better quality of life.
11. France
Net Migration: 66,601
Ranked 32nd on the quality of life index, France is committed to providing a good standard of living for its citizens. While the safety index places France at the 57th position, the climate index indicates favorable weather conditions in the country. Additionally, 61.6% of foreign-born individuals are able to secure employment in France. The reported net migration rate for the country stands at 1.1 migrants per 1,000 population.
10. Japan
Net Migration: 99,994
In the Asian region, Japan stands out as one of the top countries for providing a high quality of life for its residents, ranking 11th on the index. Additionally, it is recognized as one of the safest places in the world, securing the 22nd position on safety rankings. However, the climate index is somewhat lower. Japan maintains a net migration rate of 0.7 migrants per 1,000 population.
9. Australia
Net Migration: 139,991
This Oceanic country not only boasts one of the highest standards of life, ranking 22nd on the quality of life index, but also enjoys a favorable climate, securing the 17th place on climate rankings. Furthermore, it is recognized as one of the safest countries in the world. Immigrants flocking in would also find promising employment opportunities, with the foreign-born employment rate noted at 77.2%. The country maintains a high net migration rate of 6.4 migrants per 1,000 population.
8. Germany
Net Migration: 154,592
As one of the most advanced economies in Europe, Germany boasts a high quality of life index ranking, securing the 13th place, and ensures a safe environment for its residents, ranking 20th on the safety index. The climate in the country is generally temperate, adding to its appeal. Additionally, 69.8% of foreign-born individuals have been able to secure employment, depicting a positive scenario for immigrants. Germany maintains a net migration rate of 1.8 migrants per 1,000 population.
