India has the highest number of international migrants in the world: UN
A 2022 World Migration Report released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs found that India has the highest number of international migrants in the world.
In 2021, 18 million Indians were found living in abroad, the report said.
The development was witnessed despite many travel restrictions were imposed amid rapid spread of Covid.
According to the United Nations-affiliated body, 10 million or about one crore Indians migrated abroad in one decade, from 2000 to 2010.
In this category, Mexico comes second with around 11 million nationals living abroad from that country. The Russian Federation is the third largest origin country. It is followed closely by China (around 10.8 million and 10 million respectively).
“Usually, two types of international migration from India is tracked: first, workers who are categorised as ‘unskilled’ or ‘semi-skilled’ and who migrate mostly to the Gulf countries. Second, the semi-skilled workers, professionals, and students who migrate to the advanced capitalist countries,” said Naresh M. Gehi, Founder & Principal Attorney, Gehis Immigration & International Legal Services.
He added that families of international migrants have prospered and could contribute to the development of their provinces and country. The knowledge gained by emigrants from India about the economic progress made in other parts of the world, and the social, cultural, political values of other societies, also benefit the country.