India has second highest number of adults planning to migrate – UN Report

According to a report titled ‘Measuring Global Migration Potential 2010-2015’ by International Organisation for Migration (UN Migration Agency), India has the second highest number of adults planning to migrate to other countries with the US and the UK among the most favoured destinations. The study is based on international survey data by the Gallup World Poll. 

Highlights of ‘Measuring Global Migration Potential 2010 – 2015’:

Globally 1.3% of the adult population or 66 million people said they were planning to migrate permanently within the next 12 months.  The share of the adult population planning to migrate abroad has increased moderately at the global level but more rapidly in certain regions. 

• Adults planning and preparing to migrate are more likely to be male, single, living in urban areas and more likely to have completed at least secondary education.
• The most popular destination for those planning to migrate is the US followed by the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, Canada, Germany and South Africa.
• Half of those planning to migrate live in just 20 countries, led by Nigeria and followed by India, Congo, Sudan, Bangladesh and China.
• At 8 million people, India has the highest number of adults planning and preparing to migrate. Out of the 4.8 million people, 3.5 million people are planning and 1.3 million are preparing to migrate.
• For Nigeria, the number stands at 5.1 million people planning and preparing to migrate.
• West Africa, South Asia and North Africa are the regions with the largest migration potential.

About International Organisation for Migration (IOM):

International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers.

• It was formed in 1951 as Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration. As of September 2016, it became a related organization of the United Nations.
• Headquarters of IOM is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• William Lacy Swing is the current Director General of IOM.