Malaysia Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Malaysia's net migration was 166,615 in 2025, ranked 210th globally. This represents a 4.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's net migration stood at 166,615 in 2025, a decline of +8,155 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 162,673 by 2026. Malaysia ranked 210th globally.
Malaysia recorded net migration of 166,615.00 in 2025, placing it 210th globally and marking a substantial rise from the all‑time trough of –46,948.00 in 1960. The peak of 232,971.00 arrived in 2006, reflecting a period of strong labor‑market pull that coincided with rapid industrialisation and the expansion of the manufacturing sector. Over the 66‑year span, net inflows have generally accelerated, outpacing the United Arab Emirates’ 158,634.00 in the same year and narrowing the gap with larger destination economies such as Canada. The upward trajectory is driven by Malaysia’s competitive wages, relatively high human‑capital development, and targeted immigration policies that attract skilled workers from the region. Continued emphasis on high‑value industries and the easing of visa restrictions could sustain the positive trend, while any slowdown in global demand for Malaysian labour or tighter migration controls would likely temper future inflows.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 151,240 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 156,957 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 162,673 | - | - |
| 2025 | 166,615 | −8,155 | #210 |
| 2024 | 174,770 | −6,301 | #207 |
| 2023 | 181,071 | −7,083 | #203 |
| 2022 | 188,154 | −352 | #197 |
| 2021 | 188,506 | +86,599 | #205 |
| 2020 | 101,907 | −101,377 | #202 |
| 2019 | 203,284 | −18,681 | #204 |
| 2018 | 221,965 | −5,712 | #202 |
| 2017 | 227,677 | +5,536 | #204 |
| 2016 | 222,141 | +34,478 | #206 |
| 2015 | 187,663 | +27,872 | #202 |
| 2014 | 159,791 | +10,154 | #200 |
| 2013 | 149,637 | +14,662 | #200 |
| 2012 | 134,975 | +12,706 | #201 |
| 2011 | 122,269 | −34,895 | #198 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's net migration was 166,615 in 2025. Ranked 210th globally. This represents a 4.7% decrease from the previous year.
Malaysia's net migration peaked at 232,971 in 2006.
The lowest net migration in Malaysia was -46,948 in 1960.
Malaysia ranks 210th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malaysia's net migration is projected to reach 162,673 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Malaysia in 2025 was 166,615. This ranks 210th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_net-migration,
title = {Malaysia Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}