10 countries losing the most people to emigration
The movement of people in search of better economic prospects, safety from conflict, and improved living standards is a long-standing global phenomenon.
Net migration losses: The hardest-hit nations
According to the United Nations World Population Prospects 2024, Pakistan recorded the highest net population loss due to migration in 2023, with approximately 1.6 million more people leaving the country than arriving. Other Asian countries, including India (-980,000), China (-570,000), and Bangladesh (-550,000), also experienced significant outflows.
The list includes countries with at least 10,000 more emigrants than immigrants. These figures, rounded for clarity, highlight widespread instability and inequality across various regions.
READ ALSO: Nigerian immigration deports over 800 illegal immigrants
Rank Country Net Migration
1 Pakistan -1.62M
2 Sudan -1.35M
3 India -979K
4 China -568K
5 Bangladesh -550K
6 Nepal -410K
7 Turkey -318K
8 Ukraine -300K
9 Brazil -240K
10 Philippines -164K
Conflict-driven exodus from Sudan
Sudan, situated in Northeast Africa, witnessed a net loss of around 1 million people in 2023, largely due to the devastating civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The humanitarian crisis has forced many to flee the country in search of safety. A spokesperson for Doctors Without Borders described the situation as involving "horrendous levels of violence" inflicted on civilians.
Economic vs Political drivers of migration
The data paints a broader picture of migration trends, where countries fall into two general categories: those experiencing economic hardship (such as Pakistan, India, and China), and those plagued by active conflicts (like Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine).
In many cases, both economic and political pressures are intertwined, reinforcing each other and accelerating the departure of residents.
By examining these migration patterns, it becomes clear that international migration is not solely a personal decision, but also a reflection of systemic issues that demand global attention.
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