Around 304 million people, or nearly four per cent of the world’s population, are now living outside their country of birth as migrants or refugees.

The figure was released as part of a statement issued to mark International Migrants Day by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The agency said global migration is continuing to rise as people move in search work, safety, education, and family reunification.

Director General of the IOM Amy Pope said the migration was a story of opportunity, human progress, and shared development.

She called for stronger and more resilient migration systems that protect people on the move while also supporting the communities that receive them.

Ms Pope added that migrants contribute in many ways to the societies where they live and work, bringing skills, creativity, and entrepreneurship that strengthen local economics.

According to the IOM, migrant workers support essential sectors including healthcare, construction, agriculture and technology and play a vital role in countries with ageing populations.

Their earnings also sustain families back home. In 2024, migrants sent an estimated $US905 billion in international remittances, most of which went to middle and low-income countries. These transfers help households cover food, education, and medical care and in many cases exceed the value of foreign aid and investment flows. 

But Ms Pope warned that growing challenges are driving people to migrate. The IOM said that by the end of 2024, 83.4 million people had been internally displaced due to conflict, violence, and disasters.

IOM also said that many migrants continue to face serious risks while crossing borders, particularly where safe and regular migration pathways are limited. These risks include dangerous sea and desert crossings, exploitation, and limited access to assistance and protection.

According to the IOM, the Mediterranean Sea remains one of the world’s deadliest migration routes, with more than 33,000 recorded deaths since 2014.

Observed each year on 18 December, International Migrants Day recognises the contributions of migrants worldwide and underscores the importance of protecting their rights and dignity. In 2025, the Day is marked under the theme “My Great Story: Cultures and Development,” highlighting how human mobility enriches societies, drives economic growth, and strengthens connections across communities. 

“Migration is woven into the lives of families and communities everywhere. It is a story of courage, determination, and the ties that bind us across borders,” Ms Pope said.

“Today, we honour the people who set out in search of safety and opportunity and call for global solidarity in shaping fair and inclusive systems that protect them. When migration is managed with dignity and purpose, it benefits everyone,” she said.

Ms Pope said migrants were challenges.

“By the end of 2024, 83.4 million people were internally displaced due to conflict, violence, and disasters, while new emergencies continued to push communities beyond their coping capacity,” she said.

“While most migration takes place safely and regularly, many people still face serious risks when crossing borders, particularly where regular pathways are limited.

“People who must flee suddenly often have few options and may turn to irregular routes. These journeys can involve dangerous sea and desert crossings, exploitation, and limited access to assistance and protection. The Mediterranean Sea remains one of the deadliest migration routes, with more than 33,000 recorded deaths since 2014.  

“Every migrant’s journey is different, but the need for safety and dignity is universal. By strengthening systems that support people at every stage of mobility, countries can unlock the developmental dividends of migration and uphold the rights and well-being of every person on the move,” Ms Pope said.

IOM is appealing for support to help 41 million people on the move and strengthen the systems that make migration safe, orderly, and regular.

Donate here: IOM’s 2026 Global Appeal