NEWS DESK: A record 83 million people were living as internally displaced persons by the end of 2024. This is the highest figure ever recorded in modern history, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) World Migration Report 2026. The report identifies conflict, climate change, and economic instability as the primary drivers of this movement.
IOM Director General Amy Pope stated that the global migration landscape is becoming more complex. She noted that many people want to move but face limited opportunities to do so safely and legally. This has led to a widening gap between the desire for mobility and the ability to move.
Damage to the environment has become a central reason for people to leave their homes. This means more people are moving due to climate-related disasters like heatwaves, droughts, and storms. In 2024, there were about 65.8 million internal movements. Disasters caused 45.8 million of these, while conflict caused 20.1 million.
While internal displacement is at an all-time high, most people still do not cross international borders. About 304 million people, or 3.7 percent of the world population, are international migrants. Europe and Asia host the largest numbers, hosting 61 percent of all international migrants.
Migration also plays a huge role in the global economy through remittances. These are funds that migrants send back to their families. India, Mexico, and the Philippines were the top recipients in 2024. Together, these three countries received more than 245 billion dollars in one year.
The United States and Saudi Arabia remain the top sources of these financial transfers. Experts warn that any conflict or economic trouble in these countries could hurt millions of families. These families rely on the money for food, healthcare, and education. Source: IOM Report
