Qatar Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Qatar's net migration was 36,288 in 2025, ranked 192nd globally. This represents a 21.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Qatar's net migration stood at 36,288 in 2025, a decline of +9,817 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 42,281 by 2026. Qatar ranked 192nd globally.
Qatar's net migration trend has been significantly influenced by its economic growth and labor demands, particularly in the energy sector. From 1,586.00 in 1960 to 245,703.00 in 2007, net migration reached its peak, driven largely by the country's rapid economic expansion and investments in infrastructure. However, the trend reversed in 2020, with a net migration of -50,433.00, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global labor market and Qatar's economic diversification efforts. As of 2025, Qatar's net migration has returned to a positive level of 36,288.00, but remains lower than its peak. This trajectory is comparable to that of Ireland, which also experienced a significant decline in net migration in recent years. A continued shift towards economic diversification and increased investment in domestic labor markets could alter Qatar's net migration trajectory, potentially leading to a more sustainable and less reliant on foreign labor in the future.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 40,216 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 41,249 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 42,281 | - | - |
| 2025 | 36,288 | −9,817 | #192 |
| 2024 | 46,105 | +6,110 | #191 |
| 2023 | 39,995 | −40,009 | #182 |
| 2022 | 80,004 | +55,503 | #184 |
| 2021 | 24,501 | +74,934 | #182 |
| 2020 | -50,433 | −60,990 | #16 |
| 2019 | 10,557 | −1,908 | #165 |
| 2018 | 12,465 | −34,254 | #158 |
| 2017 | 46,719 | −73,006 | #185 |
| 2016 | 119,725 | −57,742 | #199 |
| 2015 | 177,467 | −17,245 | #201 |
| 2014 | 194,712 | +61,192 | #202 |
| 2013 | 133,520 | +56,429 | #199 |
| 2012 | 77,091 | −137 | #193 |
| 2011 | 77,228 | −13,392 | #194 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Qatar matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Qatar's net migration was 36,288 in 2025. Ranked 192nd globally. This represents a 21.3% decrease from the previous year.
Qatar's net migration peaked at 245,703 in 2007.
The lowest net migration in Qatar was -50,433 in 2020.
Qatar ranks 192nd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Qatar's net migration is projected to reach 42,281 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Qatar in 2025 was 36,288. This ranks 192nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_qatar_net-migration,
title = {Qatar Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/qatar/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}