Based on data from the Pew Research Center, here are the top 10 countries hosting the largest numbers of Muslim migrants, including both adults and children, as of 2020. These migration trends are shaped by economic opportunities, political stability, cultural ties, and religious connections.
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Saudi Arabia - 10.8 million
- Saudi Arabia leads as a top destination, attracting Muslim migrants for economic opportunities, religious significance, and labor needs, particularly within the oil industry.
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United Arab Emirates (UAE) - 6.2 million
- Known for rapid economic development, the UAE has a high demand for migrant labor, drawing Muslims from various countries to its dynamic urban centers.
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Turkey - 5.9 million
- Turkey hosts a significant number of migrants, including refugees from conflict zones, due to its strategic location and cultural links to the Muslim world.
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Germany - 3.7 million
- Germany is a top destination for Muslim migrants, many from the Middle East and North Africa, offering work, education, and asylum opportunities.
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United States - 3.6 million
- The U.S. draws Muslim migrants through educational and employment opportunities, as well as refuge for those fleeing conflict.
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Jordan - 3.3 million
- Jordan is a key destination for displaced Muslims, especially refugees from neighboring countries experiencing conflicts.
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Iran - 2.8 million
- Iran hosts many Muslim migrants, including a large number of Afghan refugees, given its proximity to conflict-affected areas.
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France - 2.6 million
- France attracts Muslim migrants, largely from North Africa, due to historical and cultural ties, alongside employment opportunities.
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Malaysia - 2.4 million
- Malaysia is a unique Southeast Asian hub for Muslim migrants, known for its moderate Islamic culture, economic growth, and supportive policies for Muslim immigrants.
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Kuwait - 2.2 million
- Kuwait’s demand for foreign labor draws migrants from neighboring countries, primarily for economic opportunities in sectors like construction and domestic work.
These destinations underscore the diversity in the factors influencing Muslim migration, including economic growth, religious ties, and policies aimed at welcoming migrants. Malaysia's inclusion highlights its role as an important hub for Muslim migrants in Southeast Asia.