International Migration Outlook: 2023

October 25, 2023

In a recent release of the ‘International Migration Outlook 2023,’ it has come to light that India emerged as the leading source of migrants to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in both 2021 and 2022. This shift in migration patterns saw India replace China as the primary country of origin for newcomers to OECD nations, solidifying its position as a key contributor to global migration.

India’s Ascendance in Migration Flows

India’s ascent in the realm of global migration began in 2020 when it supplanted China as the main source of migrants to OECD countries. The trend continued in 2021, marking the second consecutive year that India stood at the forefront with 0.41 million new migrants. Early data suggests that India maintained this top position in 2022 as well, underscoring its significant influence in shaping global migration trends.

China and Romania Follow

While India held the lead, China trailed in second place with 0.23 million new migrants, maintaining a considerable distance from the top spot. Romania secured the third position with approximately 200,000 new migrants. These figures highlight the diversity of countries contributing to migration flows to OECD nations.

OECD: A Magnet for Migrants

The OECD, comprised of 38 member countries, primarily constitutes affluent developed nations that attract migrant workers and students. Despite a recent 15 percent drop compared to 2019, India has retained its status as the principal origin country of new citizens in OECD countries since 2019.

Climate-Induced Displacement Gains Attention

The ‘International Migration Outlook 2023’ report also underscores the growing interest among policymakers and the international community in addressing displacement resulting from climate change. While the report notes that few OECD countries have established explicit policies to respond to climate-induced displacement, this emerging issue is gaining recognition.

Colombia Takes Initiative

In April 2023, Colombia’s Congress initiated discussions on a groundbreaking bill to recognize climate-induced displacement, marking a significant development in Latin America. The bill proposes a comprehensive definition of climate-displaced individuals and prioritizes their access to housing, healthcare, education, and the establishment of a national register for climate-displaced people. The bill has already received approval in the first of four rounds of discussion required for passage.

Nationality Acquisitions by Indian Citizens

In 2021, 0.13 million Indian citizens acquired the nationality of an OECD country. The majority of these acquisitions took place in the United States (56,000), Australia (24,000), and Canada (21,000). Mexico also featured prominently in 2021, with 0.19 million Mexicans gaining nationality in another OECD country, with the vast majority becoming US citizens.

Refugee Inflows from Ukraine Soar

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has led to record-high inflows of refugees from Ukraine across the OECD region, with more than 10 million individuals becoming either internally displaced or refugees, underscoring the humanitarian impact of the conflict.

Rapid Growth in Migration Flows from India, Uzbekistan, and Turkey

Migration flows from India experienced a sharp increase of 172 percent, alongside significant rises from Uzbekistan (+122 percent) and Turkey (+240 percent), making them primary countries of origin following Ukraine. These figures highlight the dynamic nature of global migration patterns and the diverse sources contributing to these flows in OECD nations.

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