South Africa Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
South Africa's net migration was 146,370 in 2025, ranked 208th globally. This represents a 12.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's net migration stood at 146,370 in 2025, a decline of +20,602 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 39,600 by 2026. South Africa ranked 208th globally.
South Africa has experienced significant fluctuations in net migration over the past 66 years. The country witnessed a stark contrast between its all-time peak in 2015, with 641,150.00 individuals entering the country, and its all-time trough in 2016, with 879,235.00 people emigrating, resulting in a net outflow of 879,235.00. Despite this drastic decline, South Africa has gradually shown signs of recovery, with a net inflow of 146,370.00 individuals in 2025. Notably, Japan, ranked 140,579.00, has also shown a relatively stable net migration trend. South Africa's recovery may be attributed to various factors, including the country's growing economy and efforts to improve its business environment. However, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with regional instability and economic uncertainty, may hinder South Africa's ability to sustain a positive net migration trend. A significant improvement in the country's economic prospects could potentially alter the trajectory of net migration, leading to increased inflows of skilled and unskilled workers.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -98,413 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -29,407 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 39,600 | - | - |
| 2025 | 146,370 | −20,602 | #208 |
| 2024 | 166,972 | −61,250 | #206 |
| 2023 | 228,222 | −5,062 | #204 |
| 2022 | 233,284 | −224,962 | #201 |
| 2021 | 458,246 | +88,345 | #213 |
| 2020 | 369,901 | +38,777 | #215 |
| 2019 | 331,124 | +12,864 | #209 |
| 2018 | 318,260 | −24,886 | #206 |
| 2017 | 343,146 | +1.2M | #208 |
| 2016 | -879,235 | −1.5M | #3 |
| 2015 | 641,150 | +368,453 | #212 |
| 2014 | 272,697 | +40,467 | #206 |
| 2013 | 232,230 | −31,861 | #203 |
| 2012 | 264,091 | +198,925 | #209 |
| 2011 | 65,166 | −3,397 | #188 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's net migration was 146,370 in 2025. Ranked 208th globally. This represents a 12.3% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's net migration peaked at 641,150 in 2015.
The lowest net migration in South Africa was -879,235 in 2016.
South Africa ranks 208th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's net migration is projected to reach 39,600 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of South Africa in 2025 was 146,370. This ranks 208th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_net-migration,
title = {South Africa Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}