Immigration Rankings: The U.S., Germany, and Saudi Arabia Lead the Way

The World Population Review portal recently published a study analyzing global immigration flows. According to the report, the United States remains the absolute leader in attracting foreign residents. Other top countries include Germany, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands out with an astonishing 89% of its population consisting of immigrants.

Definitions: Immigrants and Emigrants

Immigrant: A person who has moved to a country other than their place of origin.
Emigrant: A person who has left their native country to live elsewhere.
Individuals who change their place of residence are simultaneously immigrants and emigrants. Immigrants, often referred to as foreign residents, relocate for various reasons, including better economic prospects, employment opportunities, family reunification, retirement, and access to resources.

United States

The U.S. is home to the largest immigrant population globally, with 50.6 million immigrants, representing just over 15% of the total population of 331.4 million. Since 1965, the number of immigrants in the U.S. has grown by more than 400%.

Mexicans make up the largest group, accounting for more than 11 million immigrants, or approximately 25% of all foreign-born residents. Immigration has historically played a key role in shaping the nation, earning it the nickname "the Great American Melting Pot." Most Americans trace their ancestry to immigrant families, including the earliest European settlers.

The U.S. offers numerous programs for foreign residents, though many visas are non-immigrant in nature. Programs like the H-1B visa, which allows U.S. employers to hire highly specialized foreign workers, remain crucial. Additionally, international students on F-1 visas can transition to H-1B status to avoid legal complications when seeking employment.

Germany

Germany ranks second, with 15.8 million immigrants. The country has introduced initiatives such as the "Chancenkarte" (Opportunity Card), easing entry requirements for skilled workers. From June to October 2024, Germany issued approximately 2,500 Chancenkarte visas, enabling holders to enter the country to search for jobs without prearranged employment. Most recipients hailed from India, followed by China, Turkey, and Pakistan.

A new law introduced in June 2024 reduced the residency period required for citizenship from eight years to five. Under specific conditions, German citizenship can now be obtained in as little as three years. However, political shifts following upcoming elections could lead to stricter immigration policies.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia ranks third, with 13.5 million immigrants. The kingdom is actively courting highly skilled professionals through its Special Talent Residency Program, which targets experts in healthcare, digital technologies, finance, space, defense, and energy. Additionally, specialists in mining, logistics, tourism, and agricultural technologies are in demand.

The country also offers programs for investors, entrepreneurs, and property buyers, broadening opportunities for foreigners seeking to relocate.

Russia

Russia is fourth, hosting 11.6 million immigrants (although some sources estimate the number closer to 6.5 million). According to URA.RU, the majority of immigrants come from Tajikistan (31%), Kyrgyzstan (10%), and Ukraine (9%). Key reasons for migration include personal motivations (47%), work (28%), and education (12%).

From January to September 2024, more than 120,000 work permits were issued, a 41% increase from 2023. However, the number of migrants from visa-free countries such as Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan decreased by 100,000. Many of these migrants require a regional work patent to remain employed.

United Kingdom

The U.K. ranks fifth, with 9.4 million immigrants. Between June 2023 and June 2024, 1.2 million people relocated to the U.K., 86% of whom were from non-EU countries. India was the leading country of origin, particularly for work-related (116,000) and education-related (127,000) reasons.

Changes to student visa regulations in January 2024 limited the ability of international students to bring family members, contributing to a decrease in dependent arrivals. Despite these measures, work-related immigration remained steady, with 184,000 main applicants from non-EU countries.

Other Countries

The United Arab Emirates stands out in the top 10, with 8.7 million immigrants, comprising nearly 89% of its population. Other countries in the top 10 include France, Canada, Australia, and Spain, each hosting between 6.8 million and 8.5 million immigrants.

India leads in emigration, with 17.9 million people living abroad, followed by Mexico (11.2 million), Russia (10.8 million), China (10.5 million), and Syria (8.5 million). Notably, countries like North Korea and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan closely monitor emigration, aiming to restrict population outflows.

The report from World Population Review underscores the global significance of immigration as a driver of economic growth and cultural diversity. While countries like the U.S. and Germany attract millions of skilled workers, others, like the UAE, rely heavily on foreign labor to sustain their economies. However, shifting immigration policies, regional instability, and geopolitical tensions continue to shape migration trends worldwide, requiring adaptive strategies to balance economic needs and social integration.