Based on the International Migrant Stock 2019 report, disclosed by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), India has been recognized as the primary country of origin for immigrants globally. The report presents up-to-date estimates of the number of international migrants categorized by their age, sex, and place of origin, for all nations and regions worldwide.
India’s Role in International Migration
Consistently, India has maintained its position as the top source of international migrants, contributing to 6.4% of the total global migrant population. Indian migrants predominantly opt for the UAE as their primary destination, followed closely by the US, and then Saudi Arabia.
Immigration to India
In terms of immigration to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal were identified as the main countries from where the majority of international migrants originated. Over time, the percentage of international migrants in relation to the total global population has risen to 3.5%, a significant increase from 2.8% in 2000.
A Closer Look at Global Migration
Nearly two-fifths of all international migrants made the journey from one developing country to another. The origins of one-third of all international migrants can be traced back to approximately 10 countries primarily. Mexico, China, Russia, and Syria trailed behind India, which houses 17.5 million international migrants.
Distribution of Migrants by Destination
The European region received the highest number of immigrants, with a total of 82 million, followed by North America (59 million) and Northern Africa and Western Asia (49 million). In terms of individual countries, the U.S. hosted the most significant number of international migrants, amounting to about 19% of the global population.
| Country | Number of Migrants (in millions) |
|---|---|
| India | 17.5 |
| Mexico | 12 |
| China | 11 |
| Russia | 10 |
| Syria | 8 |
Demographics and Gender Distribution of Migrants
Unfortunately, forced displacements across international borders continue to rise. The proportion of women and girls among international migrants has seen a slight decrease from 49% in 2000 to 48% in 2019. In terms of age distribution, one out of every seven international migrants is under the age of 20 years.
The Role of UN DESA
Established in 1948, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) serves as the development pillar of the United Nations. Recognized as a pioneer of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UN DESA unites the global community to work collaboratively towards solving pressing worldwide problems. It assists nations in translating their global commitments into national action in the economic, social, and environmental realms.