Maldives Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Maldives's net migration was -2,283 in 2025, ranked 97th globally. This represents a 5.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Maldives's net migration stood at -2,283 in 2025, a rise of +138 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -7,110 by 2026. Maldives ranked 97th globally.
Maldives recorded a net migration loss of -2,283.00 in 2025, placing it 97th globally and continuing a downward trajectory that began after the all‑time peak of 9,648.00 in 2019. The sharp reversal from a modest inflow of -32.00 in 1960 to the 2023 trough of -2,877.00 reflects mounting pressures on the archipelago’s limited land and resources, prompting residents to seek opportunities abroad. Over the 66‑year span, the Maldives’ out‑migration has consistently exceeded that of peer island economies such as Timor‑Leste (‑2,550.00) and Mauritius (‑2,784.00), suggesting that geographic vulnerability and economic constraints are common drivers in the region. While the recent figure marks a slight improvement from the 2023 low, the persistence of negative net migration indicates that without targeted policies to expand domestic employment, improve climate resilience, and attract skilled diaspora returnees, the Maldives is likely to remain a net emigrant nation in the near term.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -11,737 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -9,423 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -7,110 | - | - |
| 2025 | -2,283 | +138 | #97 |
| 2024 | -2,421 | +456 | #91 |
| 2023 | -2,877 | −203 | #78 |
| 2022 | -2,674 | −12,086 | #74 |
| 2021 | 9,412 | −230 | #168 |
| 2020 | 9,642 | −6 | #167 |
| 2019 | 9,648 | +11 | #162 |
| 2018 | 9,637 | +82 | #151 |
| 2017 | 9,555 | +134 | #155 |
| 2016 | 9,421 | +97 | #153 |
| 2015 | 9,324 | +1,624 | #163 |
| 2014 | 7,700 | +737 | #161 |
| 2013 | 6,963 | +163 | #157 |
| 2012 | 6,800 | +189 | #159 |
| 2011 | 6,611 | +242 | #160 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Maldives matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2011. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Maldives's net migration was -2,283 in 2025. Ranked 97th globally. This represents a 5.7% increase from the previous year.
Maldives's net migration peaked at 9,648 in 2019.
The lowest net migration in Maldives was -2,877 in 2023.
Maldives ranks 97th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Maldives's net migration is projected to reach -7,110 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Maldives in 2025 was -2,283. This ranks 97th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_maldives_net-migration,
title = {Maldives Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/maldives/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}