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Indian migration to OECD nations hits record high in 2022
Indians represented 6.4 percent of all new immigrants to OECD countries, with China contributing 3.8 percent.
Stock image. / Pexels
In a continuing trend, Indians are migrating to affluent nations within the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), particularly the US, UK, and Canada, either as new immigrants, international students, or citizens.
The recent "International Migration Outlook 2024," released on Nov.14 reveals that Indians led the global migration flow to OECD countries in 2022, but recent protectionist policies may begin to restrict these movements.
India recorded a landmark migration year in 2022, with approximately 560,000 Indians moving to OECD countries — a 35 percent increase over the previous year. This migration surge solidified India’s position as the top source of new immigrants to OECD nations, followed by China, which recorded 320,000 migrants. Indians represented 6.4 percent of all new immigrants to OECD countries, with China contributing 3.8 percent.
The data highlights a significant increase in Indian migration to certain countries, though trends vary. The UK saw a dramatic rise, admitting 112,000 Indian migrants in 2022, nearly double the 2021 figures. The US welcomed 125,000 Indians, marking a 35 percent year-on-year increase, while Canada saw a decline, with Indian migration numbers dropping by 8 percent to 118,000. In these countries, Indians primarily migrated through labor pathways, often as principal applicants or accompanied family members.
Changing migration dynamics
In 2022, migration flows also showed other shifts, notably with Russia climbing the ranks. "Russia’s rise in migration numbers was remarkable," the report noted. "With 260,000 Russians migrating to OECD nations, Russia jumped from 18th place to overtake Romania." Major destinations for Russian migrants included Türkiye, Israel, and Germany, while Romanians largely migrated to Germany, Spain, and Italy.
China, meanwhile, resumed significant migration after two years of COVID-19 restrictions, with over 300,000 Chinese immigrants moving to OECD member countries, up 13 percent from 2021. The US alone recorded a 37 percent increase in arrivals from China, reaching pre-pandemic levels with 68,000 new Chinese immigrants.
Increasing protectionist policies
However, the 2024 report highlights emerging obstacles for future immigrants. In the US, anticipated policy changes under the new administration may tighten restrictions on work visas. Canada has similarly announced planned cuts to its immigration targets over the next three years. Meanwhile, the UK has introduced policies like higher wage thresholds and reductions to its shortage occupation list, aiming to curb migrant inflows.
Rising Citizenship Rates
Despite these challenges, 2022 saw a record number of Indians obtaining citizenship in OECD nations, with over 190,000 Indians gaining nationality — a 40 percent increase from the previous year. This surge was driven largely by a tripling of Indian citizens acquiring Canadian nationality, reaching a total of 60,000. "This trend will likely continue into 2023," the report anticipates.
Syria followed India as the second-largest source of new OECD citizens, with 134,000 Syrians gaining citizenship — a 28 percent increase over the previous year — while Moroccans, primarily acquiring nationality in Spain, Italy, and France, ranked third. In the US, Mexican nationals continued to acquire citizenship, though their numbers dipped slightly in 2022.
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