World Migration Report 2026

Economies and labor markets thrive with safe, regular migration, yet restrictions shift travel into dangerous, irregular routes that impose risks and extra costs. Regional differences underscore the need for customized policies, lower remittance fees and enhanced cooperation to tap migration’s true potential.

Access to safe and regular migration pathways continues to support economic growth and development worldwide. The World Migration Report 2026 shows that restricting these pathways does not stop migration but instead shifts it into more irregular and dangerous routes, increasing risks for migrants and costs for States, while limiting the broader benefits of migration. The report also shows that while the number of international migrants has grown over time, migration patterns vary significantly across regions, underscoring that there is no single global migration story and that responses must be tailored to regional realities. The report further highlights that access to migration opportunities remains uneven, with pathways expanding more for people in higher-income countries while remaining constrained for those in lower-income contexts, reinforcing global mobility inequalities. Migration also supports labour markets, helps address skills gaps, and drives innovation. Diaspora communities play a role in maintaining economic and social links between countries, including through knowledge exchange, investment, and remittances. The report outlines practical steps to sustain these benefits, including expanding safe and regular migration pathways, reducing remittance costs, and supporting skills mobility and reintegration. It also calls for stronger regional cooperation, improved data collection, and more inclusive, evidence-based policies to better manage migration in a rapidly changing global context.