Iran, Islamic Republic of Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Iran, Islamic Republic of's net migration was 116,786 in 2025, ranked 203rd globally. This represents a 38.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Iran, Islamic Republic of's net migration stood at 116,786 in 2025, a decline of +73,370 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 66,610 by 2026. Iran, Islamic Republic of ranked 203rd globally.
Iran’s net migration stood at 116,786.00 in 2025, ranking it 203rd globally, and reflects a long‑term upward trajectory since the early 1960s when the figure was 54,041.00. The most pronounced surge occurred in 1981, when net inflows peaked at 1,452,169.00, driven by the post‑revolutionary exodus of skilled workers and the influx of refugees from neighboring conflicts. By contrast, the deepest outflow was recorded in 1993 with a net loss of 1,696,091.00, a period marked by economic sanctions and labor market contraction. Over the 66‑year coverage, Iran’s migration balance has oscillated but remains positive, closely mirroring the recent net migration of Saudi Arabia (119,738.00) and Oman (113,734.00). Continued reforms in labor market policy, coupled with easing of international sanctions, could sustain the modest inflow, while any reversal in geopolitical tensions would likely dampen the upward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -63,269 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 1,670 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 66,610 | - | - |
| 2025 | 116,786 | −73,370 | #203 |
| 2024 | 190,156 | −71,888 | #208 |
| 2023 | 262,044 | −141,146 | #205 |
| 2022 | 403,190 | +68,223 | #207 |
| 2021 | 334,967 | +515,647 | #211 |
| 2020 | -180,680 | −147,886 | #3 |
| 2019 | -32,794 | −4,848 | #29 |
| 2018 | -27,946 | −62,795 | #35 |
| 2017 | 34,849 | −31,781 | #180 |
| 2016 | 66,630 | +112,869 | #182 |
| 2015 | -46,239 | +9,803 | #31 |
| 2014 | -56,042 | −8,720 | #24 |
| 2013 | -47,322 | +10,501 | #26 |
| 2012 | -57,823 | +8,101 | #24 |
| 2011 | -65,924 | −53,075 | #23 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iran, Islamic Republic of matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2019. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iran, Islamic Republic of's net migration was 116,786 in 2025. Ranked 203rd globally. This represents a 38.6% decrease from the previous year.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's net migration peaked at 1.5M in 1981.
The lowest net migration in Iran, Islamic Republic of was -1.7M in 1993.
Iran, Islamic Republic of ranks 203rd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's net migration is projected to reach 66,610 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Iran, Islamic Republic of in 2025 was 116,786. This ranks 203rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iran-islamic-republic-of_net-migration,
title = {Iran, Islamic Republic of Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iran-islamic-republic-of/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}