Brunei Darussalam Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Brunei Darussalam's net migration was 0 in 2025, ranked 131st globally. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Brunei Darussalam's net migration stood at 0 in 2025, a rise of +0 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0 by 2026. Brunei Darussalam ranked 131st globally.
Brunei Darussalam’s net migration has fluctuated dramatically over the 66‑year record, moving from a high of 2,489.00 in 2009 to a low of –1,538.00 in 1970, before settling at 0.00 in 2025, which places the country at rank 131 globally. The post‑2000 surge reflected strong inflows of skilled expatriates attracted by the nation’s oil‑driven economy, while the 1970 trough coincided with regional labor market contractions and restrictive immigration policies. By contrast, peer small‑state economies such as Bermuda (–2.00) and Antigua and Barbuda (12.00) show modest but consistently positive or slightly negative balances, underscoring Brunei’s unique volatility. The recent zero balance suggests a near‑equilibrium between arrivals and departures, likely driven by tighter visa regulations and a gradual diversification away from hydrocarbon dependence. If diversification succeeds and creates new employment niches, Brunei could experience a modest net inflow; otherwise, the migration balance is expected to remain flat in the near term.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 0 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 0 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 0 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0 | +0 | #131 |
| 2024 | 0 | +0 | #128 |
| 2023 | 0 | +0 | #117 |
| 2022 | 0 | +0 | #111 |
| 2021 | 0 | −462 | #123 |
| 2020 | 462 | +6 | #131 |
| 2019 | 456 | +6 | #131 |
| 2018 | 450 | +10 | #123 |
| 2017 | 440 | +25 | #121 |
| 2016 | 415 | +59 | #121 |
| 2015 | 356 | +53 | #132 |
| 2014 | 303 | +18 | #130 |
| 2013 | 285 | −61 | #127 |
| 2012 | 346 | −1,053 | #130 |
| 2011 | 1,399 | −1,080 | #141 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Brunei Darussalam matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Brunei Darussalam's net migration was 0 in 2025. Ranked 131st globally.
Brunei Darussalam's net migration peaked at 2,489 in 2009.
The lowest net migration in Brunei Darussalam was -1,538 in 1970.
Brunei Darussalam ranks 131st globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Brunei Darussalam's net migration is projected to reach 0 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Brunei Darussalam in 2025 was 0. This ranks 131st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_brunei-darussalam_net-migration,
title = {Brunei Darussalam Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/brunei-darussalam/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}