New Caledonia Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
New Caledonia's net migration was 440 in 2025, ranked 144th globally. This represents a 3.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
New Caledonia's net migration stood at 440 in 2025, a decline of +15 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1,100 by 2026. New Caledonia ranked 144th globally.
New Caledonia’s net migration figure of 440.00 in 2025, ranking it 144th globally, reflects a long‑term decline from the post‑colonial surge that peaked at 2,838.00 in 1975, when the territory attracted a sizable influx of French workers and expatriates seeking mining and construction jobs. Over the 66‑year coverage period the flow turned sharply negative, reaching a trough of –2,650.00 in 2018 as out‑migration accelerated amid slowing economic growth and tighter immigration controls. The latest positive balance is modestly higher than the Faroe Islands’ 386.00 and Bhutan’s 455.00, suggesting that New Caledonia remains a marginal net receiver of migrants compared with many small economies. The reversal from the 2018 deficit indicates a tentative rebound, likely driven by renewed investment in nickel processing and tourism, but sustained improvement will depend on the territory’s ability to create stable, well‑paid jobs and to maintain favorable visa policies that can attract and retain skilled labour.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 1,743 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 1,422 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1,100 | - | - |
| 2025 | 440 | −15 | #144 |
| 2024 | 455 | −30 | #138 |
| 2023 | 485 | +0 | #128 |
| 2022 | 485 | +1,666 | #121 |
| 2021 | -1,181 | +0 | #99 |
| 2020 | -1,181 | +1,154 | #93 |
| 2019 | -2,335 | +315 | #90 |
| 2018 | -2,650 | −36 | #88 |
| 2017 | -2,614 | −9 | #87 |
| 2016 | -2,605 | −75 | #84 |
| 2015 | -2,530 | −3,161 | #95 |
| 2014 | 631 | −1,567 | #136 |
| 2013 | 2,198 | +125 | #148 |
| 2012 | 2,073 | +60 | #150 |
| 2011 | 2,013 | +57 | #149 |
Analysis
New Caledonia's net migration was 440 in 2025, a decline of −15 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 1,100 by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Caledonia's net migration was 440 in 2025. Ranked 144th globally. This represents a 3.3% decrease from the previous year.
New Caledonia's net migration peaked at 2,838 in 1975.
The lowest net migration in New Caledonia was -2,650 in 2018.
New Caledonia ranks 144th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
New Caledonia's net migration is projected to reach 1,100 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of New Caledonia in 2025 was 440. This ranks 144th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-caledonia_net-migration,
title = {New Caledonia Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-caledonia/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}