Bahrain Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Bahrain's net migration was 18,128 in 2025, ranked 185th globally. This represents a 20.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Bahrain's net migration stood at 18,128 in 2025, a decline of +4,571 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 23,202 by 2026. Bahrain ranked 185th globally.
Bahrain's net migration has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with a notable all-time peak of 47,674 individuals in 2008, contrasting sharply with the all-time trough of -31,967 in 2019. The latest available figure (2025) stands at 18,128, ranking Bahrain 185th globally. Notably, this is close to the figure of Hong Kong SAR, China, which ranked 184th with a net migration of 17,863 individuals in 2025. Bahrain's net migration has thus experienced a considerable decline since its peak, which was largely driven by the country's economic growth during the mid-2000s. However, with the country's economy diversifying and the ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment, there may be a shift in the trend as Bahrain's economy continues to grow and stabilize, potentially leading to a slight increase in net migration in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 26,445 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 24,824 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 23,202 | - | - |
| 2025 | 18,128 | −4,571 | #185 |
| 2024 | 22,699 | +2,697 | #181 |
| 2023 | 20,002 | +1,027 | #174 |
| 2022 | 18,975 | +7,093 | #158 |
| 2021 | 11,882 | +16,930 | #171 |
| 2020 | -5,048 | +26,919 | #64 |
| 2019 | -31,967 | −5,989 | #30 |
| 2018 | -25,978 | −47,936 | #38 |
| 2017 | 21,958 | −24,875 | #173 |
| 2016 | 46,833 | +10,024 | #180 |
| 2015 | 36,809 | −4,006 | #184 |
| 2014 | 40,815 | +5,241 | #185 |
| 2013 | 35,574 | +22,773 | #181 |
| 2012 | 12,801 | +38,908 | #168 |
| 2011 | -26,107 | −6,778 | #52 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bahrain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bahrain's net migration was 18,128 in 2025. Ranked 185th globally. This represents a 20.1% decrease from the previous year.
Bahrain's net migration peaked at 47,674 in 2008.
The lowest net migration in Bahrain was -31,967 in 2019.
Bahrain ranks 185th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bahrain's net migration is projected to reach 23,202 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Bahrain in 2025 was 18,128. This ranks 185th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bahrain_net-migration,
title = {Bahrain Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bahrain/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}