Millions of migrants are on the move around the world in today's age of unprecedented mobility. Between 2007 and early 2010, Gallup surveyed almost 350,000 persons in 148 countries, indicating that hundreds of millions more would join them if they could. Check our up-to-date list of the most popular countries to immigrate to, as well as those countries with the best living conditions for establishing a new life.
The result of surveys estimated that the number of adults who say they would like to move permanently to another nation if the opportunity came, as well as where they would prefer to go, rather than the number who will go or when they will go. Leaders must pay attention to the scale of this desire for long-term migration, whether their countries are on the sending or receiving end. Although the data reflect desire rather than intent — many people who want to relocate may never do so, and it may even be impossible for them to do so — they do provide insight that allows leaders to deal with migration difficulties proactively rather than reactively.
Gallup's extensive global data allows us to identify who these potential migrants are — their education, gender, age, employment status, and other attributes — as well as the dynamics that drive their desire to leave their homelands. These statistics can also help predict where the next wave of potential migrants will come from and where they will go.
What emerges is a clearer image of countries that may be on the verge of gaining brains or experiencing a mass departure of their youth. This data is critical to a country's growth and well-being, as well as its ability to develop the workforce it requires to progress.
What would happen to the population of your country if everyone who wanted to move to another country actually did so? Would you expect a brain increase or a brain loss? Is there an influx or emigration of young people?
Gallup calculated the prospective net gains and losses to a country's adult population by subtracting those who want to move out of a country from those who want to move in, based on interviews with over half a million adults in 152 countries between 2015 and 2017.
New Zealand's population would increase by 231 percent if everyone in the globe could move to whatever country they pleased.
Gallup's most current Potential Net Migration Index (PNMI), a 2015-2017 survey of more than 450,000 adults from 152 countries, found that if migration were free, New Zealand would witness a significant influx of migrants. This is significant because New Zealand has voted to embrace the legally non-binding UN Migration Compact, which was signed in Morocco on Wednesday and is the first-ever worldwide agreement on an uniform strategy to international migration.
New Zealand's government had been unsure about the agreement until Wednesday, when Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said that the country will vote for it because legal opinion indicated that it would not jeopardize sovereignty. According to legal counsel, the agreement is non-binding and does not create legal duties.
Many UN member nations are anticipated to sign the compact, but countries including the United States and Australia have expressed opposition because it could limit their authority to control immigration and foreign affairs.
Despite the fact that the survey "could not forecast migration patterns," it did reveal how much each country's population could grow or fall if migration was unrestricted.
To calculate the prospective changes in each country's adult population, the survey subtracted the number of people who wanted to leave their country from those who wanted to migrate to their country.
It also revealed which specific categories of people were interested in moving and where they wanted to go, allowing world leaders to predict which types of migrants to expect and how to keep existing talent in their nations.
OF course, wealthy people usually have doors wide open when they knocking at a countries door. This also true of New Zealand whom offers a number of Investor Visas to those investing in the country.
The interviews were conducted in person or over the phone with 453,122 people over the age of 15. Each country had between 1000 and 4000 people interviewed.
The 152 countries examined account for nearly all of the adult population on the planet.
If a country's PNMI was -100 percent, it meant that the entire adult population would flee if given the chance.
Singapore's history and fortunes have always been entwined with migration, as an island republic between Malaysia and Indonesia. As a British trading colony founded in 1819, immigration accounted for the majority of the city's population increase until World War II. Singapore attracted a significant number of laborers from China, India, and the Malay Archipelago, aided by a nascent colonial economy. As a result, by the 1931 census, its population had risen from a few hundred to half a million.
During the Japanese occupation of Singapore from 1942 to 1945, immigration was briefly halted, and in the 1950s and 1960s, new regulations were passed limiting immigration to only those who could contribute to the country's socioeconomic progress. Following Singapore's independence from Malaysia in 1965, stricter citizenship and immigration regulations were enacted, reducing the city-nonresident state's population (i.e., nonpermanent noncitizen inhabitants) to 2.9 percent of the total population.
The term "quality of life" is frequently used as a shorthand for describing how satisfied one is with one's existence. This metric is calculated using formal techniques that take into account economic, social, physical, political, and spiritual well-being. Singapore may be the tiniest country in Southeast Asia, but it has emerged as one of Asia's greatest places to live, with a high quality of life index.
According to Mercer, a multinational human resource consulting firm, Singapore is the best city in Asia in terms of quality of life. According to the 2018 World Happiness Report, Singapore is also the "happiest country in Southeast Asia." The study also revealed that in Singapore, the family is the most important unit, and that family and community always take precedence over materialistic ambitions. This, in turn, contributes to the creation of a content and happy society.
Singapore is well-known for its political stability. Despite its reputation for being authoritarian and centralized, the political culture is pragmatic, reasonable, and based on the rule of law. The highest goal of the government is the survival and prosperity of this small nation. This often means, having to make unpopular but hard and wise decisions in the interest of the nation. The government believes in being pro-active and thinking for the future.
The city-state has become a business mecca that welcome investors from every corner of the world. The government, over a decade again, launched the Singapore Global Investor Programme to provide permanent residence to foreign investors. Gaining access to citizenship after only 3 years.
Singapore has been able to attract some 9000 multinational companies, according to Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, because it provides First World conditions in a Third World region. Good governance means having a system in place that ensures the country's survival and the safety of its citizens.
The United States' approach to welcoming Middle Eastern immigrants has received a lot of attention. The Gulf States, on the other hand, are intimately familiar with the obstacles and opportunities that immigrants face: The region boasts some of the world's greatest immigration rates as a percentage of its population.
According to Philippe Fargues, founding director of the Migration Policy Centre and professor at the European University Institute in Fiesole, Italy, this is a huge economic opportunity for countries like Kuwait and Qatar, which both have nearly 75% immigrant populations and many from surrounding Gulf States and the broader Middle East.
“Arab emigration is not only twice as high as the global average, but its recent rise and future potential appear to be as high,” he said.
The United Arab Emirates, which is quickly rising, leads the list for regional immigration, with migrants accounting for about 90% of the population due to the country's economic attractiveness and public infrastructure
Those looking for job are welcome to enter the UAE. Migrants' rights have been restricted in the past, but the system has been improving in recent years for a country that is so reliant on its immigrant labor. In 2015, the UAE implemented labor rules targeted at decreasing migrant abuses. The outcomes are diverse.
To work in the UAE, a foreign worker must be sponsored by an Emirati national or a company with Emirati national engagement (as a partner, director, or otherwise) through the Kafala sponsorship programme. Visas are only valid for a limited time and must be renewed on a regular basis. If the worker's job is terminated, he or she must leave the nation.
Wealthy individual can choose the UAE Investor Visa to gain a renewable 5-year or 10-year visa by investing in the country or buy simply buying a property.
Switzerland is a popular place to immigrate to because of its great quality of life, job prospects, education, superior healthcare, and even its beautiful scenery. Over 140,000 persons immigrated to Switzerland in total in 2018, including both EU/EFTA and non-EU/EFTA citizens. However, depending on your country, the policies and criteria for immigration in Switzerland vary. Moving to Switzerland is significantly easier for EU/EFTA citizens who are not subject to annual quota limitations than it is for non-EU/EFTA people who are.
Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU (European Union), it benefits from many of the EU's perks as a result of its membership in the EFTA (European Free Trade Association). The EFTA countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) are linked to the EU through the EEA (European Economic Area), and as a result, all member countries benefit from free movement and a free market.
Switzerland is seeking to reduce the annual influx of non-EU/EFTA immigrants. To that purpose, it has put severe annual limits on the number of non-EU/EFTA citizens granted residency and employment permits. Furthermore, if you are not a citizen of the EU/EFTA, you will very certainly need to apply for a Swiss long-stay (national) visa in order to enter the country. You can only enter Switzerland and apply for a Swiss residence permit after receiving your long-stay visa.
Australia has historically been distinguished from other countries as a country shaped by rapid population expansion, with net overseas migration accounting for a higher share of total population growth than annual new births.
According to a recent world report, Australia, a wonderful and peaceful country with unique natural beauty, a great climate, and an impressive education system, has cemented its position as one of the top destinations for people wishing to live, study, work, or visit, has cemented its position as one of the top destinations for people wishing to live, study, work, or visit.
For many people, moving to a new country and settling down is an exciting prospect, and Australia is one of the friendliest countries for immigrants from all walks of life. It is a fantastic immigration destination with clear regulations for permanent residency based on a point system under the General Skilled Migration SkillSelect programme, as well as an education facility for eligible applicants from all around the world.
Australia's historically robust population growth is derived from both natural expansion and net foreign migration, as a nation established on migration. With about 7 million of Australia's population of almost 25 million born overseas, migration has made a significant contribution to the economy. The presence of permanent and temporary migrant groups, who have given diversity to Australia's capital cities, suburbs, and towns, has improved the Australian population. Every year, more than 200,000 new migrants arrive in Australia due to the country's economy, lifestyle, economic freedom, high quality of life, and strong educational system. The country is open to business people with many immigration stream available to them. The Australia Investor Visa has been remarkably popular in the last few years, with thousands of business people gaining residency through the program.
Canada formally adopted a policy to encourage multiculturalism in the 1970s, under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's guidance, and it has been a fundamental component of the Canadian character ever since. Canada has one of the highest per capita immigration rates among developed countries. Over 310,000 immigrants are expected to arrive in Canada in 2018. 57 percent of those immigrants will be skilled workers when they arrive. The rest will be refugees or will join family members who have already settled in Canada. In all, 22.3 percent of Canadians identify as visible minorities, with 21.9 percent identifying as foreign-born.
There are over 60 immigration streams offered by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada. Once of the most popular over the years has been the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, a path providing permanent residence to investors.
Canada is also noted for its ‘mosaic' approach to diversity, in which individuals of various cultures coexist peacefully while preserving their cultural history and religious customs. There are approximately 30 ethnic communities in Canada with a population of 100,000 or more, and 11 with a population of one million or more. In contrast, immigrants in 'melting pot' societies are encouraged to blend in and assimilate to the standards of their new home. The major centers of Canada, such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, are especially varied, with many ethnic neighborhoods.
Canada is noted for its diversity and inclusivity in numerous ways than just being multicultural. The LGBTQ community is well-supported throughout the country. In 2005, Canada became the world's fourth and first country outside of Europe to legalese same-sex marriage. According to a 2017 study, the majority of Canadians support same-sex marriage, with 74% saying, "It's excellent that two individuals of the same sex may get married in Canada." In 2015, Canada recognized June to be Pride Month, and the annual Toronto Pride Parade is one of the world's largest LGBTQ festivities.
Luxembourg is a small landlocked country bordered by France, Germany, and Belgium, and while it is best known for its corporate tax breaks, the tiny country has a lot to offer. The country has a total area of 998 square miles and a population of 562,958 people as of January.
Luxembourg has a stable political environment and is the world's ninth least corrupt country. Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV), led the country for 19 years until 2013, and is now the president of the European Commission. Luxembourg, the world's last grand duchy (a territory with a grand duke or grand duchess as its head of state), is unlike anywhere else on the planet.
It has never been the first place in everyone mind and is more popular with wealthy foreigners. The country offers the Luxembourg Investor Visa, a temporary resident permit that can lead to citizenship after only 5 years.
Iceland is frequently regarded as one of the world's most desirable locations to live, which should come as no surprise. Nature is magnificent, dramatic, and sublime here, with plenty of unspoiled wilderness and geological wonders.
The inhabitants are kind, hospitable, and open, speak fluent English, and love the company of their international visitors, regardless of how long they stay. Furthermore, Reykjavik is a quintessential and lovely capital city, a bustling urban hub that effortlessly maintains its small-town vibe, peaceful pace of life, and commitment to social advancement and culture.
And what about the icing on the cake? Since the financial crisis of 2008, Iceland's economy has not only recovered, but has exploded in ways that no one could have predicted. Iceland, unlike the rest of the world, defied predictions. It instead chose to impose stringent capital controls, austerity measures, and financial reforms rather than allowing its three largest banks - and the bankers who came with them - to fail and be imprisoned.
Iceland's financial industry was able to restart as a result of the country's severe economic position, establishing the framework for a national economy that not only saved the country but also propelled it towards a bright and wealthy future.
What does this future hold in store for us? Every year, more visitors come to see it for themselves, and the small island nation is making quite an impression on the rest of the world.
Iceland has transformed itself into a European hub for culture, travel, and adventure in the ten years since the financial crisis. With such a large influx of visitors, it's only natural that many of them become so enamored with the country that they consider relocating here.
With such endearing national characteristics, it's easy to see why Iceland could become the new promised land, an ice-encrusted paradise nestled near the Arctic Circle.
Many people who have relocated to Iceland have had no regrets. Life in Iceland is open, accepting, and varied for those who commit to this shift. It unfolds at a slower speed than in other countries, allowing for more time for thought, observation, and self-improvement.
Kuwait is home to a large number of international contract workers, with expatriates from the Arab region, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa accounting for 70% of the population. They are primarily employed in the construction and service industries. Indians make up the single largest expatriate group in Kuwait, whereas Egyptians are the second largest but make up the largest foreign Arab population. Kuwait's government does not issue legal citizenship to foreigners except in exceptional circumstances, resulting in temporary labour mobility being the most common mode of migration, particularly from South Asia.
Bhutan, a small Himalayan country that was once isolated, currently welcomes an estimated 52,300 migrants, the most of whom are manual laborer from India and Bangladesh who cross the border to work in Bhutan's burgeoning construction sector.
International migrants made up around 6.5 percent of Bhutan's 800,000 population in 2017. Young Bhutanese are increasingly travelling abroad, primarily for tertiary education. Bhutanese emigration reached 44,000 in 2017, with Nepal, India, Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands being the most popular destinations. Now, according to the Gallup’s Potential Net Migration Index Bhutan is ranked 8th. People have shown interest to migrate to Bhutan and stats show that this interest has increased by 162%.
Jeff Klasko
Boston, MA | Hungary Citizenship by Descent program
