Iraq Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Iraq's net migration was -1,064 in 2025, ranked 108th globally. This represents a 94.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Iraq's net migration stood at -1,064 in 2025, a rise of +16,671 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -25,532 by 2026. Iraq ranked 108th globally.
Iraq’s net migration balance has shifted dramatically over the 66‑year series, moving from a positive inflow of 1,573.00 in 1960 to a pronounced outflow of –1,064.00 in 2025, ranking it 108th globally. The most pronounced influx occurred in 2012, when the country recorded an all‑time peak of 753,907.00 net migrants, reflecting post‑conflict reconstruction and labor‑market opportunities. By contrast, the trough in 2006 reached –1,206,850.00, driven by intensified insecurity and displacement during the height of sectarian violence. Recent outflows remain sizable, comparable to peer small‑state figures such as Micronesia, Federated States of –1,125.00 and American Samoa –1,051.00, underscoring the persistence of emigration pressures despite modest improvement since the 2006 nadir. Continued stabilization of security conditions and expansion of domestic employment prospects could reverse the current negative trend and gradually restore a net inflow in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -51,859 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -38,696 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -25,532 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1,064 | +16,671 | #108 |
| 2024 | -17,735 | −12,025 | #48 |
| 2023 | -5,710 | −82,531 | #62 |
| 2022 | 76,821 | +59,347 | #183 |
| 2021 | 17,474 | −12,384 | #173 |
| 2020 | 29,858 | +73,777 | #180 |
| 2019 | -43,919 | −59,694 | #22 |
| 2018 | 15,775 | +37,773 | #163 |
| 2017 | -21,998 | +91,982 | #45 |
| 2016 | -113,980 | −91,642 | #13 |
| 2015 | -22,338 | −17,305 | #49 |
| 2014 | -5,033 | −479,412 | #79 |
| 2013 | 474,379 | −279,528 | #211 |
| 2012 | 753,907 | +492,027 | #215 |
| 2011 | 261,880 | +169,101 | #208 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iraq matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iraq's net migration was -1,064 in 2025. Ranked 108th globally. This represents a 94.0% increase from the previous year.
Iraq's net migration peaked at 753,907 in 2012.
The lowest net migration in Iraq was -1.2M in 2006.
Iraq ranks 108th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iraq's net migration is projected to reach -25,532 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Iraq in 2025 was -1,064. This ranks 108th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iraq_net-migration,
title = {Iraq Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iraq/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}