In 2020, approximately 80 million international migrants were Muslim, accounting for 29% of the global migrant population. This is slightly higher than their share of the world’s total population (25%), indicating that Muslims are somewhat overrepresented among international migrants, according to PEW Research Centre.
Proximity Matters: Shorter Distances for Muslim Migrants
Muslim migrants tend to move shorter distances compared to other religious groups, with an average migration distance of 1,700 miles. This tendency is reflected in the large numbers of Muslims who migrate within their regions, such as Syrians seeking refuge in nearby Turkey and Lebanon.
KEY REGIONS HOSTING MUSLIM MIGRANTS
- Middle East-North Africa (MENA): 40% of all Muslim migrants reside in this region, making it the most common destination for Muslims moving abroad.
- Asia-Pacific: This region hosts 24% of Muslim migrants, largely due to the significant number of migrants from South Asia.
- Europe: Home to 20% of Muslim migrants, Europe remains a significant destination.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: 10% of Muslim migrants live in this region.
- North America: Only 6% of Muslim migrants reside here, with even fewer in Latin America and the Caribbean.
ASIA-PACIFIC: THE LARGEST SOURCE REGION
Nearly half of the global Muslim migrant population was born in the Asia-Pacific region, which includes countries like India and Pakistan. The Middle East and North Africa contribute about a third of Muslim migrants, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 13%.
SYRIA: THE LARGEST ORIGIN COUNTRY
Syria is the top origin country for Muslim migrants, with 8.1 million Syrians (10% of the global Muslim migrant population) having left their homeland, primarily due to the civil war that began in 2011. The majority of these migrants have settled in neighbouring countries like Turkey and Lebanon.
INDIA: A SIGNIFICANT SOURCE OF MUSLIM Migrants
India, despite being only 15% Muslim, is the second-largest origin country for Muslim migrants, with 6 million Indians living abroad. A significant proportion of these migrants have moved to Muslim-majority countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia for job opportunities.
AFGHANISTAN: A MAJOR SOURCE OF MIGRATION
Afghanistan ranks third as an origin country, with 5.5 million Muslim migrants. Many Afghans have moved to neighbouring Iran and Pakistan, driven by decades of conflict and economic hardship.
KEY MIGRATION ROUTES AND COUNTRY PAIRS
- Syria to Turkey: The most common migration route, with 3.9 million Syrian Muslims now living in Turkey.
- Afghanistan to Iran: The second most common route, with 2.7 million Afghans in Iran.
- Palestinian Territories to Jordan: This route accounts for 2.2 million Muslim migrants.
CHANGES IN MUSLIM MIGRATION SINCE 1990
From 1990 to 2020, the Muslim migrant population doubled from 40 million to 80 million, outpacing the overall growth in global migration. The most significant increases were seen in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey, with a combined rise of 16.8 million Muslim migrants—a 278% increase.
DECLINES IN CERTAIN REGIONS
Conversely, some regions have seen a decline in Muslim migrants. Pakistan, for instance, saw its Muslim migrant population drop from 4.1 million in 1990 to 2.1 million in 2020. Iran also experienced a decrease, with its population of foreign-born Muslims falling from 4.3 million to 2.8 million during the same period.
The analysis of Muslim migration trends over the past three decades reveals significant shifts in global migration patterns. While some regions have seen substantial increases in Muslim migrants, others have witnessed declines. The ongoing challenges and opportunities associated with Muslim migration continue to shape the religious and demographic landscapes of countries worldwide.