World Migration Report 2024: Unveiling Global Migration Trends and Challenges

Record Number of Displaced Persons Reaches 117 Million by the end of 2022

Dhaka/Geneva, 7 May – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has unveiled the World Migration Report 2024, revealing significant changes in global migration patterns, including an unprecedented rise in displacement and a substantial increase in international remittances. IOM Director General Amy Pope presented the report in Bangladesh, a nation at the forefront of migration issues, including emigration, immigration, and displacement.

Shedding Light on Migration Complexities

“The World Migration Report 2024 helps demystify the complexity of human mobility through evidence-based data and analysis,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “In a world grappling with uncertainty, understanding migration dynamics is essential for informed decision-making and effective policy responses. The World Migration Report advances this understanding by highlighting longstanding trends and emerging challenges.”

Surging Remittances: A Key Driver of Economic Growth

The report underscores that international migration remains a critical driver of human development and economic growth. It highlights a more than 650% increase in international remittances from 2000 to 2022, rising from USD 128 billion to USD 831 billion. This growth persisted despite many analysts predicting a substantial decrease due to COVID-19. Of the USD 831 billion in remittances, USD 647 billion were sent by migrants to low- and middle-income countries. These remittances constitute a significant portion of these countries' GDPs and now surpass foreign direct investment in these regions globally.

Addressing Displacement Crises

While international migration continues to drive human development, the report reveals that challenges persist. With an estimated 281 million international migrants worldwide, the number of displaced individuals due to conflict, violence, disasters, and other factors has surged to 117 million, the highest level in modern records, emphasizing the urgency of addressing displacement crises.

Nuanced Reality of Migration

Migration, an intrinsic part of human history, is often overshadowed by sensationalized narratives. However, the reality is more nuanced than headline-grabbing stories. Most migration is regular, safe, and regionally focused, directly linked to opportunities and livelihoods. Yet, misinformation and politicization have clouded public discourse, necessitating a clear and accurate portrayal of migration dynamics.

Dhaka: A Symbolic Launch Site

By choosing Dhaka as the report's launch site, IOM highlights the country's efforts to support vulnerable migrants and foster pathways for regular migration. Bangladesh's significant role in shaping global migration discourse and policy is also recognized. As a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration Champion country, Bangladesh has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing migration issues and implementing policies that safeguard migrants' rights. This proactive engagement aligns with IOM's strategic objectives, making Bangladesh an ideal location to launch the 2024 World Migration Report.

Dispelling Myths and Inspiring Action

IOM’s World Migration Report, with its innovative digital tools and comprehensive analysis, aims to dispel myths, provide critical insights, and inspire meaningful action in addressing the challenges and opportunities of human mobility. "We hope the report inspires collaborative efforts to harness the potential of migration as a driver for human development and global prosperity," said DG Pope.

Bangladesh's Continued Commitment

“As one of the GCM champion countries, Bangladesh will not only continue to act upon the pledges it has made for its domestic context but also take up emerging issues and challenges pertaining to migration and development for informed deliberations at the international level,” said Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Honourable Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.