International Migration Outlook 2026: Key findings

Migration remains one of the most debated public policy issues, but what does the latest data show? The International Migration Outlook 2026 finds that migration flows to OECD countries remain high despite a second consecutive annual decline. Migration continues to support labour markets, economic growth and demographic resilience across many countries. 
 
The latest report examines permanent and temporary migration, international student mobility, asylum trends and immigrant employment. In this interview, Jean-Christophe Dumont, Head of the International Migration Division at the OECD, also explores migration's contribution to long-term care systems and productivity growth, highlighting both opportunities and policy challenges facing OECD countries.  
  
The report draws on over 50 years of OECD migration monitoring and provides evidence on how migration patterns, labour shortages and demographic change are reshaping policy choices across OECD economies.

 
Read more about OECD International Migration Outlook 2026: 
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/international-migration-outlook-2026_a9eab36b-en.html  
 
Learn more about the OECD: 
https://www.oecd.org/about/ 
 
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Jean-Christophe Dumont | Head of the International Migration Division, OECD Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs
Chelsea Carter | Social Media Lead, OECD Directorate for Communications

00:00 Why migration remains a major policy issue
00:44 Migration flows across OECD countries in 2025
02:07 Trends in temporary labour migration
02:49 Irregular migration and asylum developments
03:54 International student mobility shifts
05:20 Immigrant employment during slower growth
06:03 Migration and long-term care workforce shortages
07:54 Migration, productivity and economic growth
09:50 50 years of OECD migration trends
10:41 Where to find the full report

• Permanent migration to OECD countries reached 6.1 million people in 2025, 1.6% lower than 2024 but still 12.5% above 2019 levels, showing migration remains historically high. 
• Immigrant employment remained resilient despite slower economic growth, with 71% of immigrants in employment in 2025 across OECD countries.
• Migration can support productivity growth through skills, innovation and entrepreneurship, but policies are needed to improve skill use, mobility and long-term workforce outcomes.