Jamaica Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Jamaica's net migration was -11,053 in 2025, ranked 63rd globally. This represents a 5.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Jamaica's net migration stood at -11,053 in 2025, a decline of +547 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -13,230 by 2026. Jamaica ranked 63rd globally.
Jamaica’s net migration figure of –11,053.00 in 2025 places the island nation at rank 63 globally, reflecting a persistent outflow of people that has deepened since the 1960s. The earliest record in 1960 showed a net loss of –28,952.00, while the all‑time trough of –29,147.00 was recorded in 1967, marking the most severe period of emigration in the 66‑year series. After a brief pause at zero net migration in 2020, the trend resumed, leaving Jamaica’s 2025 balance only slightly less negative than the comparable figure for Sierra Leone (–11,309.00) and Lao PDR (–10,645.00). The sustained negative net migration suggests structural drivers such as limited domestic employment opportunities and higher wages abroad continue to pull residents away. If economic diversification and skill‑development policies succeed in expanding local job markets, the outflow could moderate, potentially reversing the downward trajectory in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -15,886 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -14,558 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -13,230 | - | - |
| 2025 | -11,053 | −547 | #63 |
| 2024 | -10,506 | −503 | #60 |
| 2023 | -10,003 | +0 | #49 |
| 2022 | -10,003 | −5,338 | #46 |
| 2021 | -4,665 | −4,665 | #67 |
| 2020 | 0 | +10,335 | #115 |
| 2019 | -10,335 | +0 | #61 |
| 2018 | -10,335 | +0 | #58 |
| 2017 | -10,335 | +0 | #62 |
| 2016 | -10,335 | +0 | #57 |
| 2015 | -10,335 | +0 | #70 |
| 2014 | -10,335 | +0 | #67 |
| 2013 | -10,335 | +163 | #65 |
| 2012 | -10,498 | +1,079 | #68 |
| 2011 | -11,577 | +1,671 | #69 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Jamaica matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamaica's net migration was -11,053 in 2025. Ranked 63rd globally. This represents a 5.2% decrease from the previous year.
Jamaica's net migration peaked at 0 in 2020.
The lowest net migration in Jamaica was -29,147 in 1967.
Jamaica ranks 63rd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Jamaica's net migration is projected to reach -13,230 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Jamaica in 2025 was -11,053. This ranks 63rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_jamaica_net-migration,
title = {Jamaica Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/jamaica/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}