Macao SAR, China Net Migration

Macao SAR’s net migration has shifted dramatically over the 66‑year series, moving from a historic high of 80,003.00 in 1964 to a deep trough of –62,374.00 in 1973 before settling at –328.00 in 2025, ranking 118th globally. The early surge reflected rapid economic expansion and liberalised entry policies that attracted workers and entrepreneurs, while the 1970s reversal coincided with tightened immigration controls and regional political turbulence. Since the turn of the millennium, net migration has hovered near zero, with recent outflows modestly outweighing inflows; the 2025 figure of –328.00 is comparable to the Virgin Islands (US) at –357.00 and less negative than Papua New Guinea’s –284.00. The persistence of a slight net loss suggests that demographic pressures, such as an ageing resident population and limited housing, continue to deter long‑term settlement. Future shifts in visa regimes, labour‑market reforms or a resurgence in tourism could alter the trajectory, potentially moving the balance toward a modest net gain.