Permanent migration to developed countries fell for a second year in a row in 2025, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said in its International Migration Outlook 2026, released on Thursday, November 12.

Source: VOA via DailyVOA

The OECD's 38 member countries took in 6.1 million new permanent immigrants in 2025, down 1.6 per cent from 6.2 million in 2024. Despite the decline, the total remains about 12 per cent above the 2019 level, the report said.

Source: AFP via Bangkok Post

6.1 millionNew permanent immigrants to OECD countries in 2025
-19%Canada — down to 393,800
-32%United Kingdom — down to 295,800
-14%United States — still the largest, at over 1.2 million

Some of the steepest falls came in traditionally open destinations that are home to large Punjabi and Indian communities. Permanent inflows dropped 32 per cent in Britain to 295,800, 19 per cent in Canada to 393,800 and 14 per cent in the United States, which still recorded more than 1.2 million permanent migrants, the largest number in the OECD. Germany also recorded a notable decline, while Portugal, Italy and Spain saw strong growth, according to the OECD's key figures.

Source: VOA via DailyVOA

What changed in the mix

Family migration remained the main channel of permanent migration, at 45 per cent, the OECD said. Legal humanitarian migration dropped sharply, by 26 per cent in 2025, while labour migration rose 13 per cent, according to summaries of the report. Inflows of international students fell sharply in the United States, Canada and Australia, while remaining broadly stable in the United Kingdom.

Source: SAGIRE wire summary

India remained the top country of origin for migrants to OECD countries in 2024, the latest year with full data, followed by China and Colombia, the report noted. The OECD also noted a backlash in many Western countries against the arrival of irregular migrants fleeing conflict, authoritarian rule and economic hardship.

Source: VOA via DailyVOA

For Punjabi and Indian families weighing a move, the numbers describe a tightening door rather than a closed one: the three biggest diaspora destinations all took in fewer permanent newcomers in 2025, and student inflows — the first step on many migration journeys — fell sharply in Canada, the US and Australia.