The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has released the Asia–Pacific Migration Data Report 2025, a yearly publication produced by IOM's Regional Data Hub Asia-Pacific. Launched in Bangkok, the report gives a data-driven overview of migration trends, corridors and drivers across the region, covering labour mobility, mixed migration routes, conflict- and disaster-induced displacement, and the developmental impacts of migration.

Asia-Pacific remains the world's top origin region

Asia and the Pacific remains the leading region of origin for international migrants, accounting for about one in three migrants worldwide. As of 2024, the number of international migrants from the region reached 90.6 million, up from 81.7 million in 2020.

India, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the Philippines rank among the top ten countries of origin globally, reflecting the region's continued prominence in shaping global human mobility.

The stock of international migrant workers in Asia and the Pacific reached 27.2 million, representing 16 per cent of the global total. Women comprise 41 per cent of the regional migrant workforce. The report notes that this trend highlights the region's growing economic opportunities and points to the urgent need to promote fair employment and gender equality for migrant workers.

Record displacement levels in 2024

Conflict-induced displacement reached record levels in 2024, with 18.11 million people displaced across the region — nearly double the number from a decade ago.

At the same time, Asia and the Pacific remains the world's most disaster-prone region, accounting for 52 per cent of all global disaster-induced displacements. In 2024 alone, the region recorded 23.97 million new displacements linked to disasters, an 88 per cent increase from 2023.

Deadliest year on record for regional migrants

The report also identifies rising protection challenges. In 2024, 2,745 deaths and disappearances of migrants from Asia and the Pacific were reported globally — a 33 per cent increase from 2023, making it the deadliest year on record for migrants from the region.

Trafficking in persons for forced criminality remains a serious concern, accounting for nearly half of all IOM-assisted trafficking victims across seven Southeast Asian countries. Myanmar (62 per cent) and Cambodia (35 per cent) remained key sites of exploitation, while 81 per cent of victims originated within the region — mostly from South Asia (45 per cent) and Southeast Asia (33 per cent).

IOM calls for evidence-based action

"This report is more than a compilation of data – it is a call to action," said Iori Kato, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. "It challenges us to look beyond numbers and translate evidence into humane, inclusive and forward-looking migration solutions that benefit all."

"These figures show how intertwined conflict, climate and mobility have become," Kato added. "A coordinated regional response is essential to building resilience and protecting people on the move."

"Quality and reliable data is the cornerstone of effective migration governance," said Olga Aymerich, IOM Regional Data Hub Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific. "By turning evidence into practical solutions, we can protect people, save lives and shape policies that make migration safer, more humane and better managed across the region."

The report calls for strengthened migration data systems, regional coordination and inclusive policy frameworks to address the interconnected challenges of mobility, climate change and protection. It serves as a regional reference for governments, policymakers and practitioners working to advance safe, orderly and regular migration through evidence-based action.

The Asia–Pacific Migration Data Report 2025 aligns with IOM's Strategic Framework 2024–2028 and reviews the region's progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).

The full report and further data are available at IOM's Asia-Pacific migration data portal, ap-migrationdata.iom.int.