The latest report published by the renowned research institution Pew Research Center states that international migrants send home over $500 billion annually to their families, nearly three times the amount in 2000, providing significant economic support to less affluent countries. The country with the highest remittance outflow is the United States, which totaled $123.3 billion last year. Among the countries receiving remittances, China received a staggering $60.2 billion from its diaspora last year, ranking second globally, only behind India.
The report indicates that migrants often send money back home to support their families after working abroad. Among all countries receiving remittances, India receives the most from its diaspora, amounting to $71 billion, followed by China with $60.2 billion and the Philippines with $26.1 billion.
This research report shows that the number of international migrants to high-income countries is increasing, with migrants heading to the United States far exceeding those going to other countries, accounting for one-fifth of all international migrants, and also sending the most remittances, reaching $123.3 billion last year.
Currently, about 70% of international migrants reside in higher-income countries with a per capita income of over $12,616, totaling approximately 160 million people. The research strongly indicates that economic conditions play a crucial role in migration flows, especially in high-income countries in North America and Europe, which are increasingly attractive to migrants from countries like India and Mexico, as they primarily seek economic opportunities.
The United States and Russia are among the countries with the highest number of international migrants, with Germany rising from sixth place in 1990 to third place now. In 1990, the United States had 23 million migrants, which has now increased to 45 million. Russia, ranked second, has maintained a migrant total of about 11 million from 1990 to 2013.