The latest World Migration Report 2026 from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows that international migration continues to rise globally but remains a small share of the world’s population, shaped by deep structural inequalities in mobility. The report estimates there were around 304 million international migrants in 2024, representing 3.7% of the global population. While the number has more than tripled since 1970, most people still live in the countries where they were born. Europe and Asia host the largest migrant populations, with around 94 million and 92 million migran

The latest World Migration Report 2026 from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows that international migration continues to rise globally but remains a small share of the world’s population, shaped by deep structural inequalities in mobility.

The report estimates there were around 304 million international migrants in 2024, representing 3.7% of the global population. While the number has more than tripled since 1970, most people still live in the countries where they were born.

Europe and Asia host the largest migrant populations, with around 94 million and 92 million migrants respectively, together accounting for about 61% of the global migrant stock. North America follows with over 61 million migrants, or about 20%.

Africa accounts for 10% of global migrants, while Latin America and the Caribbean account for 6%, underscoring their smaller share of global migrant stock despite being key regions of origin.

The report also highlights a persistent gender imbalance among migrants, with men accounting for 52% globally compared with 48% for women.

The report underscores the growing importance of remittances, defined as financial or in-kind transfers sent by migrants to their countries of origin.

In 2024, India, Mexico and the Philippines were the largest recipients globally, together receiving more than $245 billion in remittances.

High-income countries remain the main sources of remittance outflows, with the United States alone accounting for over $100 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Germany.

A key finding is the persistent inequality in global mobility. Countries with high human development typically enjoy broad visa-free access, while lower-income countries face significant restrictions that limit regular migration pathways.

The report notes that individuals from lower-income states are more likely to rely on irregular migration routes due to constrained legal mobility options.

Long-established migration “corridors” continue to shape global mobility, particularly flows from developing countries to major economies such as the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The United States remains the world’s largest destination, hosting more than 52 million foreign-born residents in 2024, followed by Germany with nearly 17 million.

The report links migration patterns to broader global instability, noting that conflict, weak governance and economic vulnerability continue to drive displacement and emigration pressures.

While migration is difficult to fully measure or regulate, improving global data systems is helping policymakers better understand evolving mobility trends.

A little more informed. A little more connected.