Islamabad: The Gallup International End-of-Year (EOY) Survey 2025, conducted across 60 countries, reveals a clear and consistent global pattern in attitudes toward migration: high-income regions are increasingly cautious about mobility, while lower-income regions remain comparatively supportive of cross-border movement.

Migration remains one of the most politically debated issues worldwide. Yet global public opinion shows a striking asymmetry - resistance is strongest in wealthier regions, while emerging and developing economies often view mobility more positively.

At the global level, emigration (people leaving their country) is viewed more negatively than positively: - 27% believe emigration benefits their country - 37% believe it hurts , and Producing a global net score of -10.

Countries recently affected by conflict show particularly strong negative perceptions: Ukraine: 63% say emigration hurts; only 11% see benefit; Iraq: 69% say it hurts and- Syria: 47% say it hurts

These responses reflect concerns over brain drain, demographic loss, and long-term national stability.

In contrast, immigration (people entering a country) is viewed more favorably worldwide: 40% believe immigration benefits their country; 33% believe it hurts and Resulting in a positive global net score of +7

At the country level: 34 out of 60 countries believe emigration harms their country more than it helps while 34 out of 60 countries view immigration as a net benefit

This suggests a widespread global preference for receiving migrants rather than losing citizens.

Countries Most Opposed to Migration

Strongest Opposition to Immigration: Serbia (-46%); Turkey (-46%; Peru (-40%) and Iraq (-33%)

Strongest Opposition to Emigration: are: Greece (-87%; Serbia (-68%); - Estonia (-56%); Ukraine (-51%); and Lithuania (-50%) - Armenia (-48%)

These results indicate heightened concern in parts of Europe and conflict-affected states regarding population outflows.

Countries Most Supportive of Migration

Strongest Support for Immigration: Syria (+74%), - Kenya (+73%), Ghana (+62%), and Thailand (+53%) and Pakistan (+51%)

Strongest Support for Emigration: Kenya (+69%), Georgia (+59%); Kosovo (+40%; -Philippines (+39%)and Ecuador (+39%)

Support for mobility is notably concentrated in lower- and middle-income countries.

Europe and North East Asia (Japan/Korea) stand out globally for strong concern over emigration and divided attitudes toward immigration.

Emigration Net Scores:- North East Asia: -29 Western Europe: -17 and Eastern Europe: -20

These reflect anxieties over brain drain, ageing populations, and economic competitiveness.

Immigration Net Scores:- North East Asia: -10, Western Europe: 0 and Eastern Europe: +2

In contrast: - Africa: +51: South Asia: +27: and ;Australia: +19

- Arab World: +17

Lower-income regions display considerably more positive views of inward migration.

Michael Nitsche, President of Gallup International Association, commented: 'Attitudes toward mobility are closely linked to how societies perceive their own social and economic development. In countries with stronger prospects for growth and advancement, migration is more often seen as a gain, whereas in societies where economic or demographic pressures are increasing, it is more frequently perceived as a threat. Migration has therefore become more than a political issue - it reflects broader questions of competitiveness, social cohesion, and future security.'

The Gallup International End-of-Year Survey 2025 was conducted in 60 countries between October and December 2025. 59,423 respondents answered the emigration question

59,429 respondents answered the immigration question. Typically ~1,000 respondents per country

Survey modes included CATI, CAWI, and face-to-face interviews.

Sampling methods included quota sampling, random probability sampling, and limited non-probability samples.