Migration to developed countries declines for a second consecutive year, with an OECD report saying new permanent immigrant numbers fall slightly in 2025. Across 38 OECD countries, there are 6.1 million new permanent immigrants in 2025, down from 6.2 million the previous year, a 1.6% drop.
The report also points to shifts within legal channels. Legal humanitarian migration falls sharply by 26% in 2025 versus 2024, while labour migration rises by 13%. By destination, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom record declines in permanent migrants, while several Southern European countries see large increases.
Coverage across outlets emphasizes different aspects of the same findings: one focus is on overall slowdowns and regional divergence (RFI, FT), while others stress specific country changes and the wider context of political backlash against irregular migration (Dawn). Several outlets highlight that overall numbers remain high and that legal categories move in different directions.
