Why Millions Left Their Home Countries in Search of a Better Life
Migration is one of the most powerful forces shaping our world today. Whether driven by economic hardship, political instability, conflict, or the pursuit of better opportunities, millions of people leave their countries each year in hopes of building a brighter future elsewhere.
Data released by the UN International Organization for Migration (2024) reveals the countries that saw the highest number of emigrants in 2020—and the list offers valuable insight into global mobility patterns and challenges.
India Leads Global Emigration
At the top of the list is India, with a staggering 17.8 million people living outside the country as immigrants. This diaspora, spread across continents, contributes significantly to global workforces—especially in technology, healthcare, and manual labor sectors. For many Indian families, working abroad remains a key pathway to financial stability and social mobility.
Mexico and Russia Follow Closely
Coming in second is Mexico with 11.1 million emigrants, much of whom have settled in the United States in search of better wages and living conditions. Russia, in third place with 10.7 million, has a long history of outward migration, with its citizens settling across Europe, Central Asia, and beyond.
Rising Emigration from China
China ranks fourth with 9.8 million emigrants, reflecting a combination of economic migration, overseas study, and international work opportunities. Despite China's growing global influence, many of its citizens continue to look abroad for alternative futures.
Southeast Asia on the Move
Several Southeast Asian countries also feature prominently in the rankings:
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The Philippines — 6.0 million
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Indonesia — 4.6 million
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Viet Nam — 3.1 million
These numbers underscore the region's role as a key supplier of global labor, especially in sectors like domestic work, construction, maritime, and caregiving. Remittances from overseas workers play a vital role in supporting millions of families back home.
Migration Across Continents
Other major emigration countries include:
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Bangladesh (7.3M)
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Pakistan (6.1M)
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Ukraine (6.1M)
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Poland (4.8M)
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Venezuela (4.5M)
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Kazakhstan (4.2M)
European nations such as the United Kingdom (4.6M), Germany (3.9M), Romania (4.0M), Italy (3.3M), and Türkiye (3.3M) also contribute significantly to global migration flows, largely due to intra-European movement and economic migration.
Searching for Opportunity, Stability, and Dignity
Ultimately, these migration figures reflect more than just numbers—they represent individual stories of courage, sacrifice, and hope. Whether it's a nurse from the Philippines working in the Middle East, a student from Viet Nam studying abroad, or a construction worker from Bangladesh in the Gulf, each migrant shapes both their new country and the one they left behind.
As we continue to grapple with global inequality, climate change, and political shifts, migration will remain a defining issue of our era—and one that demands empathy, understanding, and thoughtful policy.
