Vanuatu Net Migration

Vanuatu’s net migration has shifted from a modest inflow of 3.00 in the all‑time peak of 1976 to a pronounced outflow of –1,413.00 in the trough of 2010, before easing to –52.00 in 2025, placing the country at rank 127 globally. The early decades showed little movement, with the 1960 baseline at 0.00, but demographic and economic pressures in the 2000s spurred a sharp departure of residents, likely reflecting limited domestic opportunities and vulnerability to climate impacts. By contrast, peer island economies such as Barbados recorded a net outflow of –87.00, while Palau’s figure stood at –16.00, underscoring that Vanuatu’s recent outmigration remains more pronounced than many regional counterparts. The modest rebound to –52.00 suggests a slowing of departures, perhaps due to improved migration policies or development initiatives. Continued investment in resilient infrastructure and diversified livelihoods could further temper outmigration and gradually reverse the negative trend.