Saudi Arabia Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Saudi Arabia's net migration was 119,738 in 2025, ranked 204th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's net migration stood at 119,738 in 2025, a decline of +2,432 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 166,821 by 2026. Saudi Arabia ranked 204th globally.
Saudi Arabia's net migration has undergone significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with the all-time peak of 977,072.00 in 2022 and the all-time trough of -988,751.00 in 2018. The latest data from the World Bank shows a net migration of 119,738.00 in 2025, ranking 204 globally. In comparison, Iran, the Islamic Republic of, has a similar net migration rate of 116,786.00. The country's net migration has been influenced by various factors, including economic opportunities, demographic changes, and regional conflicts. Notably, the peak in 2022 suggests a significant increase in the number of people entering the country, likely driven by job opportunities in the oil and gas sector. However, a decrease in global oil prices or changes in government policies could alter this trend, potentially leading to a decline in net migration in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 86,251 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 126,536 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 166,821 | - | - |
| 2025 | 119,738 | −2,432 | #204 |
| 2024 | 122,170 | −203,521 | #200 |
| 2023 | 325,691 | −651,381 | #208 |
| 2022 | 977,072 | +1.1M | #213 |
| 2021 | -106,287 | −31,562 | #10 |
| 2020 | -74,725 | −266,307 | #12 |
| 2019 | 191,582 | +1.2M | #203 |
| 2018 | -988,751 | −67,939 | #3 |
| 2017 | -920,812 | −893,815 | #3 |
| 2016 | -26,997 | −492,289 | #37 |
| 2015 | 465,292 | −3,852 | #210 |
| 2014 | 469,144 | −16,650 | #211 |
| 2013 | 485,794 | +6,588 | #212 |
| 2012 | 479,206 | −12,047 | #214 |
| 2011 | 491,253 | −13,702 | #213 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's net migration was 119,738 in 2025. Ranked 204th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's net migration peaked at 977,072 in 2022.
The lowest net migration in Saudi Arabia was -988,751 in 2018.
Saudi Arabia ranks 204th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's net migration is projected to reach 166,821 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 119,738. This ranks 204th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_net-migration,
title = {Saudi Arabia Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}