Why is work-related migration to rich countries falling?

"Work-related migration to wealthy countries fell by more than one-fifth last year, as labour markets weakened and countries including Australia and the United Kingdom tightened visa rules, according to new research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Data from the Paris-based organisation, which is made up of 38 wealthy and emerging economies, showed that work-related migration declined between 2023 and 2024, even before Donald Trump's return to the White House reduced the number of arrivals into the United States."

"After several years of steady growth following the global COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people admitted for permanent work purposes across the OECD fell by 21 percent last year, dropping to roughly 934,000. A portion of the drop stemmed from visa policy tightening most visibly in the UK, where net migration fell by more than 40 percent in 2024. But even where there was no change in policy stance, labour migration fell in most European Union countries, dropping to below 2019 levels."

"According to Jean-Christophe Dumont, who leads the OECD's international migration division, the downturn can be chalked up to a less favourable global economic situation. In April, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its global growth forecast by 0.5 percentage points to 2.8 percent for 2025, citing President Donald Trump's trade war as a limiting factor. Meanwhile, other countries that had traditionally been among the largest recipients of migrants have toughened entry rules."

Work-related migration to OECD countries declined between 2023 and 2024, falling about 21 percent to roughly 934,000 admissions for permanent work purposes. Visa tightening in several destination countries—most visibly the UK where net migration dropped more than 40 percent—contributed to the fall. Labour migration also decreased across most European Union countries to below 2019 levels, even without policy changes. A weaker global economic outlook, with the IMF cutting 2025 growth forecasts and citing trade tensions, reduced demand for foreign workers. Canada, Australia and the UK introduced measures limiting work migration, while temporary protection for Ukrainians eased labour shortages in some sectors.

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