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News: The World Migration Report 2026 was released recently by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
About World Migration Report 2026
- Released by: The report is released by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
- First edition: The first World Migration Report was released in 2000.
- This report is the thirteenth in the series.
- Frequency: It is published biannually.
- It has been produced in line with IOM’s Environment Policy.
- This edition presents key data and information on migration and thematic chapters on highly topical migration issues.
- It is structured to focus on two key contributions:
- Part I: Key information on migration and migrants (including migration-related statistics)
- Part II: Balanced, evidence-based analysis of complex and emerging migration issues.
Findings of Report
- Reduced benefits of migration: The persistent marginalisation of migrants throughout the migration cycle, growing inequality in mobility, the narrowing of regular migration pathways, and the weaponisation of migration in political discourse have threatened the role of migration in development.
- Importance of Migration: The report highlighted the continued importance of migration in the global economy alongside emerging challenges.
- Trend: By mid-2024, the number of international migrants reached 304 million, accounting for 3.7 per cent of the global population.
- The number of migrant workers has also risen significantly, increasing by more than 30 million between 2013 and 2022.
- These trends underscore migration’s growing role in supporting labour markets, addressing skill shortages and fostering innovation worldwide.
- Migrants contribute through their labour, financial transfers and transnational networks that strengthen both origin and destination economies.
- Trend: By mid-2024, the number of international migrants reached 304 million, accounting for 3.7 per cent of the global population.
- Benefits of migration: The report highlighted the benefits of migration:
- Remittances: Global remittance flows in 2024 are expected to reach $905 billion, out of which $685 billion will go to low- and middle-income countries.
- These remittances are now greater than official development assistance and foreign direct investment combined, making them an important financial support for developing nations.
- At the household level, remittances help improve access to education, healthcare and nutrition, which supports human development and reduces poverty.
- Knowledge transfer: Migration also encourages the sharing of knowledge and skills.
- Migrants contribute both professional expertise and practical experience, increasing productivity and innovation across countries.
- Diaspora engagement: Diaspora communities strengthen the developmental impact of migration by acting as economic and cultural links between countries.
- They encourage trade, investment and entrepreneurship, and also support education, healthcare and cultural activities.
- Remittances: Global remittance flows in 2024 are expected to reach $905 billion, out of which $685 billion will go to low- and middle-income countries.
- Uneven access to opportunities: The report emphasises that access to migration opportunities remains highly uneven.
- High-income countries tend to offer more structured and regular migration pathways, while individuals from lower-income countries face greater barriers.
- Global displacement: By the end of 2024, over 120 million people were forcibly displaced, including refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons, with 83.4 million displaced within their own countries.
- These movements are driven by conflict, environmental stress, and structural inequalities, requiring both humanitarian and long-term development responses.
- Weaponisation of migration in political discourse: Migration is increasingly politicised and restricted.
- Limited access to safe and regular migration pathways pushes many migrants into irregular routes, exposing them to exploitation and life-threatening conditions.
- Dangerous routes, such as those across the Mediterranean, continue to claim thousands of lives annually.
- Survivors often face abuse, poor health conditions and limited economic opportunities, which diminish migration’s positive developmental impact.
- Suggestions: The report called for urgent action to safeguard migration as a global public good.
- Key recommendations include expanding safe and regular pathways, reducing remittance costs, supporting skills mobility and strengthening reintegration policies.
- It also emphasised the need for enhanced regional cooperation, improved data systems, and inclusive, evidence-based policymaking to ensure migration continues to benefit societies worldwide.
