​The great migration: Top 10 countries with the highest emigration rates

Oct 2, 2024

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Revision of world population prospects

This information is derived from a report by the UN, which published the 2024 Revision of World Population Prospects. The report highlights the net migration rates of countries. The values used here indicate that more people are emigrating from these countries.

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​Pakistan

Pakistan has seen the highest emigration rate in recent times, driven by its unstable economic conditions and labour market issues. Additionally, increasing job opportunities in popular destination countries attract individuals seeking better prospects.

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​Sudan, 1.35 million

People are leaving Sudan due to the ongoing conflict, political instability, economic hardship, food insecurity, violence, lack of basic services and the search for safety and opportunity.

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​India, 979 thousand

India, with the world's largest population and the third-highest emigration rate, sees emigration driven by low incomes and job insecurity, particularly as a significant portion of its workforce operates in the informal economy.

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​China, 568 thousand

China faces a high emigration rate due to political repression, economic challenges, better opportunities abroad, and concerns over the environment and quality of life.

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​Bangladesh, 550 thousand

High emigration from Bangladesh is primarily driven by labour market instability. Additionally, the country’s low elevation makes it vulnerable to environmental changes and natural disasters, prompting migration.

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​Nepal, 410 thousand

Nepal, with nearly 31 million people, experiences significant emigration, particularly among those aged 25 to 35. This is driven by limited domestic job opportunities and the allure of higher incomes abroad.

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Turkey, 318 thousand

In 2023, over 100,000 Turkish citizens sought asylum in EU countries, marking an 82% increase from 2022. This surge is driven by Turkey's ongoing economic crisis and political factors.

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Ukraine, 300 thousand

With a population of 37 million, Ukraine has seen 6.3 million people emigrate due to the Russia-Ukraine War, primarily to Germany, Poland, and the U.S., with Estonia and Lithuania also hosting many.

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Brazil, 240 thousand

Brazil, with over 216 million people, faces emigration driven by economic crises. From 2010 to 2020, applications for Portuguese citizenship surged, and approximately 1.8 million Brazilians now reside in the U.S.

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Philippines, 164 thousand

Over 10 million Filipinos work abroad, with around 60% migrating to the U.S., 20% to Canada, 6.2% to Japan, and 5.9% to Australia. Employment opportunities and family reunification are key drivers of this emigration.

Credit: Freepik