That is a central finding of the new World Migration Report 2026 released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).The report examines how safe and regular migration pathways shape economies, societies, and communities worldwide.

IOM’s flagship publication, produced for over two decades, brings together global data and analysis to help policymakers and the public better understand migration trends.

This year’s report, published during the International Migration Review Forum in New York, finds that limiting legal pathways increases risks for migrants, raises costs for States, and reduces the broader benefits migration can provide.

Migration continues to play a major role in the global economy. By mid-2024, there were an estimated 304 million international migrants, about 3.7 percent of the world’s population. The number of migrant workers has also grown significantly, increasing by more than 30 million between 2013 and 2022.

Benefits of migration

“Migrants contribute as workers, entrepreneurs and consumers, and through the skills, innovation and connections they bring across borders” said IOM spokesperson Zoe Brennan.

Financial contributions from migrants remain substantial. Remittances are projected to reach $905 billion in 2024, including $685 billion to low- and middle-income countries. These flows exceed official development assistance and foreign direct investment combined.

“Across the world, migration helps drive jobs, economic growth, stability and social cohesion,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope.

She noted that while countries have the right to set their own migration policies, cooperation at regional and global levels leads to safer and better outcomes.

Uneven access and rising displacement

Despite these benefits, access to migration opportunities remains uneven. More pathways are available in higher income countries, while options remain limited in lower income contexts. Migration patterns also vary significantly across regions, underscoring that there is no single global migration story.

Meanwhile, these trends come as global displacement reaches record levels. By the end of 2024, more than 120 million people were displaced worldwide, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons. 83.4 million individuals were displaced within their own countries, the highest number ever recorded.

Most displacement is driven by a mix of conflict, environmental pressures, and structural vulnerabilities. Many of the largest displacement situations require a long-term, development-focused approach alongside humanitarian assistance.

Migration gains at risk

However, the report warns that these benefits of migration are at risk. As pathways narrow, it is shifting into more dangerous channels, increasing both human and economic costs.

“Ensuring safe and regular pathways and strengthening regional cooperation are concrete steps that help countries manage migration more effectively,” said Ms. Brennan.

IOM is calling for practical steps to sustain these benefits, including expanding safe pathways, reducing remittance costs, supporting skills mobility, and strengthening regional cooperation.

It also emphasizes the need for better data and more inclusive, evidence-based policies to manage migration effectively in a changing global landscape.