International Migration Outlook

  • Permanent migration to OECD countries fell by 4% in 2024, reaching 6.2 million new immigrants.
  • Permanent migration levels remain 15% above 2019 levels.
  • Labour migration declined by 21%.
  • Humanitarian migration increased by 23%.
  • Resettled refugees reached a record increase of 19%.
  • Temporary labour migration stabilised at 2.3 million work permits (excluding Poland), a 26% increase from 2019.
  • International tertiary students in OECD countries: 1.8 million, down 13% from 2023.
    • United States: 12%
    • United Kingdom: 14%
    • Canada: 39%
    • Australia: 22%
    • New asylum seekers: 3 million applications, +13% (highest on record).
  • Irregular border crossings:
    • EU borders: 37%
    • U.S. Border Patrol encounters: 48%
    • UK irregular entry attempts: +19%
    • Returns from the EU, UK and U.S. increased steadily from 2021-2024.

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