Work-related migration to high-income countries has fallen significantly, according to new data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The report shows that labour migration declined by more than 20 percent between 2023 and 2024, marking one of the sharpest drops in recent years.

The fall comes as several major economies tightened visa rules, while a slower global economy reduced hiring demand across multiple sectors. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada introduced stricter entry conditions, contributing to the downward trend.

Labour Migration Drops Across Most OECD Countries

OECD figures show that roughly 934,000 people were admitted for permanent work purposes in 2024, a drop of 21 percent from the previous year. The decline was visible even in countries that did not change their visa rules, as weaker labour markets and lower demand for workers reduced hiring needs.

The United Kingdom saw one of the largest shifts. Net migration fell by more than 40 percent in 2024 after new visa restrictions were introduced. Similar declines were recorded in several EU countries, where work-related migration fell below pre-pandemic levels.

Why Is Labour Migration Falling?

According to Jean-Christophe Dumont, head of the OECD’s international migration division, global economic conditions are a major factor. In 2025, the International Monetary Fund lowered its global growth forecast due to rising trade tensions and slower investment.

At the same time, many high-income countries have introduced tougher visa requirements aimed at controlling overall migration numbers.

Another reason for falling demand is the large number of Ukrainians with temporary protection in Europe, many of whom have filled labour gaps in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, and caregiving. An estimated 5.1 million Ukrainians are living in OECD countries as of mid-2025.

Other Migration Streams Show Mixed Trends

While labour migration declined, the OECD reported other shifts:

• Student migration fell by 13 percent, driven by visa tightening in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.

• Humanitarian migration increased, with more asylum applications in both the US and UK.

• Total permanent migration fell only slightly (4 percent) because increased humanitarian arrivals offset lower labour and student inflows.

In 2024, 6.2 million newcomers settled in OECD countries, remaining well above pre-pandemic levels.

Record Numbers Before the Decline

In 2023, OECD countries recorded 6.5 million new permanent immigrants, the highest in history. The US received 1.2 million permanent migrants, while Canada, France, Japan, and the UK experienced record inflows.

Despite political debate in many countries, research shows that immigration has been vital for labour markets. A Goldman Sachs study found that migrants were responsible for most employment gains in Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, and the UK during 2023.

What Does the Future Look Like?

OECD experts expect total immigration to remain high in 2025, even with stricter US policies and slower hiring in some countries. Migrants continue to play an important role in industries experiencing worker shortages—especially agriculture, construction, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare.

In the UK, the employment rate for foreign-born workers reached 76 percent, slightly higher than for UK-born workers.

Experts note that labour shortages in low-wage sectors will likely continue unless working conditions and wages improve.