Migration to developed countries declines for second year – OECD
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readMigration to the 38 OECD countries experienced a second consecutive annual decline in 2025, falling by 1.6 percent to 6.1 million permanent immigrants. The report highlights a shift in migration patterns, characterized by a sharp 26 percent drop in humanitarian migration alongside a 13 percent rise in labour migration.
Context & Background
- ✦Western nations are experiencing a backlash against irregular migration, which has influenced recent policy shifts.
- ✦OECD countries face long-term economic challenges due to aging populations, with the working-age demographic expected to shrink by 8 percent by 2060.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Mark Pearson, OECD acting director of Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, emphasized the need to maximize migration's potential for productivity.•The United States remains the top destination, recording over 1.2 million permanent migrants in 2025 despite a 14 percent decline.
Outlook & Next Steps
OECD nations are encouraged to focus on policies that maximize the productivity potential of immigrants to maintain living standards in the face of a shrinking working-age population.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Permanent migration to OECD countries declined by 1.6 percent in 2025, marking the second consecutive year of decrease.
- While humanitarian migration dropped by 26 percent, labour-related migration saw a 13 percent increase during the same period.
- Portugal, Spain, and Italy experienced significant spikes in permanent migrant arrivals, while the US, Canada, and the UK recorded notable declines.
Key Facts:2025: Permanent migration to OECD countries reached 6.1 million in 2025, down from 6.2 million in 2024.2060: The OECD working-age population is projected to decrease by 8 percent by 2060.
Editorial Excerpt
Migration to developed countries dwindled for a second year in a row in 2025, down 1.6 percent compared to the previous year, according to an OECD report published Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
Which countries saw the highest increases in permanent migrants in 2025?
Portugal saw a 139-percent increase, Italy saw a 45-percent increase, and Spain saw a 25-percent increase.
What is the OECD's stance on the role of migration in productivity?
The OECD views migration as an opportunity to boost long-term productivity, especially as working-age populations decline, noting that immigrants currently account for 16 percent of employment across OECD countries.
