By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 5 May 2026 - Efforts by countries to tighten migration rules are not stopping people from moving across borders but are instead forcing many into riskier and more dangerous routes, a new World Migration Report 2026 released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) during the International Migration Review Forum in New York has warned.
According to the report, migration continues to support economies, fill labour shortages and strengthen communities worldwide, but restrictive policies are making safe movement harder, especially for people from poorer countries.
“Restricting these pathways does not stop migration but instead shifts it into more irregular and dangerous routes, increasing risks for migrants and costs for States,” the report states.
The IOM says migration remains deeply connected to the global economy, with millions of people moving abroad in search of work, safety and better opportunities.
By mid-2024, the world had an estimated 304 million international migrants, representing about 3.7 per cent of the global population.
The report also noted a sharp rise in migrant workers, saying the number increased by more than 30 million between 2013 and 2022.
At the same time, money sent home by migrants continues to play a critical role in supporting families and economies.
In 2024 alone, global remittances were projected to reach nearly 905 billion US dollars, with 685 billion dollars going to low- and middle-income countries.
According to IOM Director General Amy Pope, migration should be viewed as an opportunity rather than only a security issue.
“Across the world, migration helps drive jobs, economic growth, stability and social cohesion,” Pope said.
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She added that countries benefit more when they work together instead of creating barriers.
“The evidence shows, however, that when States cooperate at regional and global levels, migration is better managed, helping to build public trust and deliver stronger benefits for economies, communities and people on the move,” she said.
The report also highlighted growing inequality in global mobility, noting that people from wealthier countries often have easier access to visas and legal migration pathways, while those from poorer nations face tighter restrictions.
IOM warned that this imbalance is slowing labour mobility and limiting economic opportunities that migration can create.
The findings come as global displacement continues to rise sharply due to conflict, climate pressures and economic hardship.
By the end of 2024, more than 120 million people worldwide had been displaced, including refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons.
However, the report pointed out that most displaced people remain within their own countries rather than crossing international borders.
IOM is now urging governments to expand safe and regular migration channels, reduce the cost of remittances and strengthen regional cooperation to better manage migration in a rapidly changing world.