India, China, and Colombia: The Largest Sources of Migrants to OECD Countries

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released a report detailing migration trends from India, China, and Colombia to OECD countries. Despite a 1.6% decline in total permanent migration, the report indicates that India remains the primary source of migrants, followed by China and Colombia. This is despite a global drop in migration levels, which remained 12% higher than 2019 figures.

Southern European countries experienced significant growth in migration, notably in Portugal, Italy, and Spain. However, major destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany saw notable declines. Family reunification was the leading reason for permanent migration, accounting for 45% of all entries. Meanwhile, labor migration increased by 20%, reflecting ongoing demand for workers across various sectors.

Temporary work permits and authorizations rose by 20% in 2025, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Posted workers in European OECD countries also increased to nearly 3.5 million in 2024. International student mobility has shifted, with a decline from 1.9 million in 2024 to 1.6 million in 2025, primarily affecting English-speaking nations. European countries, including Italy, Germany, and Austria, saw a rise in international student numbers.

Asylum applications have declined in most OECD countries, with applications from Syrian citizens falling sharply and African nationalities gaining importance. Irregular migration indicators also decreased in many countries, while returns increased. Despite economic slowdowns in some regions, migrant participation rates in labor markets have increased, often surpassing those of the native-born population.

Governments have taken steps to manage irregular migration through stricter border controls, enhanced law enforcement, and expanded return policies. Asylum systems have become more stringent, with stricter eligibility criteria and faster procedures. The European Union's Pact on Migration and Asylum has seen progress alongside broader reforms in migration governance.

Concerns over competition for skilled workers have led many countries to expand talent visas and recruitment programs for sectors like technology, healthcare, and research. International mobility of researchers has become a key policy priority. Integration policies are increasingly focused on conditionality and targeting, driven by fiscal pressures, housing shortages, and the need for public service participation.

Migration plays a crucial role in addressing labor shortages in long-term care facilities due to population aging.