Recently, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its 49th edition of International Migration Outlook, an annual report that analyses recent migration flow, labour market trends and evolving policy responses in member countries.

Key Highlights of the Report

¨     Permanent migration: Following three years of sharp post-pandemic increases, permanent migration to OECD countries declined by 4% in 2024.

¨     Family continued to be the leading reason for permanent migration to OECD countries. Foreign-born: More than 160 million people living in OECD countries were foreign-born in 2024 and the share will increase steadily over the past decade.

¨     Humanitarian migration: It increased due to a rise in asylum applications and new refugee resettlements.

¨     Humanitarian migration is the movement of people who are forced or compelled to leave their homes due to persecution, violence, conflict, or natural disasters, seeking safety and protection in another country.

¨     Temporary labour migration: It stabilised in 2024 at its highest observed level.

¨     Other patterns: Seasonal worker inflows and working holidaymakers increased while participation in national temporary worker programmes declined.

Asylum and Irregular Movement

¨     Asylum applications across OECD countries reached an all-time high.

¨     More than half of all asylum applications were filed in the United States.

¨     Major origin countries included Venezuela, Colombia, Syria, Afghanistan and India.

¨     Irregular border crossings decreased at the EU and US borders.

Labour Market Outcomes

¨     Immigrant labour force participation remained strong across OECD countries.

¨     Employment gains were more favourable among migrant women than migrant men.

¨     Immigrants were concentrated in lower-paying firms and sectors, which widened initial wage gaps.

¨     At entry level in the labour market, Immigrants earn 34% less than native-born workers of the same age and sex.

¨     OECD health systems continue to rely heavily on migrant doctors and nurses.

Policy Shifts in Migration Governance

¨     Several OECD countries introduced measures to moderate migration inflows.

¨     Labour migration policies focused increasingly on attracting targeted skills and talent.

¨     Asylum systems adopted faster procedures and tighter rules on benefits and family reunification.

¨     International student policies underwent review with changes in admission, post-study rights and retention pathways.

¨     Targeted support for migrant women is growing streamlining recognition of skills and the offer for bridging courses and micro-credential programmes is being scaled up.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

¨     The OECD is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1961 to promote better policies for better lives through global standards, reliable data, analytical reports and support for policy reforms.

¨     Its main decision-making body is the OECD Council which includes representatives from all 38 Member Countries and the European Union.

¨     The annual Ministerial Council Meeting brings together member governments to discuss major global policy challenges and to set the OECD’s priorities for the coming year.

¨     The organisation was originally founded by 18 European countries along with the United States and Canada.

¨     India is not a member but is recognised as a key partner alongside China, Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa.