Which countries are home to the largest number of Indian migrants?
A UN report reveals that approximately 18.5 million Indian-born individuals live abroad, with the UAE and the United States hosting the largest populations. The data highlights distinct migration patterns, with the Gulf region serving as a primary hub for workers and the US attracting professionals and students.
Why it matters
Understanding migration trends is critical for analyzing global labor markets, remittance flows, and the socio-economic impact of the Indian diaspora on both host and home countries.
For millions of Indians, moving abroad has meant building a career, starting a business, joining family or simply looking for a different life. But where do Indians who leave the country actually settle?The latest United Nations estimates offer a snapshot of where people born in India were living in 2024. According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) International Migrant Stock 2024, around 18.5 million people born in India were living outside the country. The data, analysed by Our World in Data, shows which countries have the largest populations of Indian-born migrants.Countries with the largest populations of Indian migrantsAs of the available data from 2024, the United Arab Emirates tops the list, with about 3.2 million people born in India living there. That accounts for roughly 17.5% of Indians living abroad.
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