Migration: New beginnings but not without challenges

People migrate due to a combination of "push" factors that make them want to leave a place and "pull" factors that attract them to a new one. Common reasons include economic opportunities, such as better jobs and wages; social and political factors, like fleeing conflict, persecution, or seeking better education and healthcare; and environmental issues, such as natural disasters and climate change.

According to the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), in 2024 the global number of international migrants was 304 million, a figure that has nearly doubled since 1990 , when there were an estimated 154 million international migrants worldwide. International migrants comprise 3.7 per cent of the global population, having increased only modestly from 2.9 per cent in 1990. Female migrants constituted 48 per cent of international migrants.

While most people migrate out of choice, others migrate out of necessity. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimated that, at the end of 2024, the world hosted an estimated 43.7 million refugees, including 6 million Palestine refugees under the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), as well as 8 million were asylum-seekers.

Whether to migrate depends on your personal goals, such as seeking better job opportunities, education, or quality of life, but also requires careful consideration of the significant financial, social, and logistical challenges involved. Migration can be a pathway to economic advancement and new experiences, but it also presents potential difficulties like adapting to a new culture, finding housing, and navigating new laws and social norms, which require thorough research and emotional readiness. A successful migration hinges on weighing the potential benefits against the costs and complexities, and being fully prepared for a long-term adjustment period.

People are moving for better healthcare, stronger economies, business clarity, or a safer place for their families. This shift is changing the global migration map.

The numbers back it up: over 281 million people now live outside their country of birth, and more than 60% of high-income earners are considering relocation in 2025.

As personal goals blend with work and lifestyle decisions, countries are taking notice, some by easing entry and offering residency routes, others by tightening access.

According to data from OECD and Eurostat, the most desired destinations in 2025 include:

UAE and Singapore – ideal for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking tax-efficient environments.

Portugal and Spain – for lifestyle migration, especially among remote workers and retirees.

Canada – for skilled professionals and family reunification.

Australia and New Zealand – favored for their safety, work-life balance, and strong healthcare.

Germany – attractive for tech workers and engineers, especially with its new streamlined migration system.

These countries aren’t necessarily the richest or the largest, but they are strategically adapting to what people actually want: security, economic mobility, and a clear path forward.

Three main drivers are shifting migration patterns:

Inflation and Currency Devaluation: Countries like Argentina, Turkey, and Nigeria are seeing talent leave due to unstable currencies. In contrast, nations with strong currencies and predictable economies, such as Switzerland, UAE, and Canada, are gaining ground.

Tax Policy and Business Freedom: High-net-worth individuals and business owners are fleeing jurisdictions with rising taxation (like the U.S. and UK) and opting for countries that don’t punish wealth creation. This is where UAE, Singapore, and even countries like Georgia are winning big.

Post-COVID Digital Migration: The normalization of remote work means people are no longer stuck living where their job is. Places with good Wi-Fi, safety, and sun (like Portugal, Mexico, and Thailand) are thriving migration magnets.

Skilled migration remains a core strategy for many countries to fill workforce shortages and attract global talent. In 2025, point-based systems have become more refined, occupation lists are updated more frequently, and qualification recognition has been streamlined in high-demand sectors.

Cost of Living in 2025

Portugal remains one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, especially outside Lisbon and Porto. Daily expenses, rent, and even private healthcare are significantly cheaper than in neighboring France or the UK.

Germany and Canada sit in the mid-range. Cities like Berlin or Montreal offer more affordability compared to places like London, Zurich, or San Francisco, but housing availability remains tight.

Singapore and the UAE can be expensive depending on your lifestyle, but they offer major tax advantages (0% income tax in UAE, no capital gains in Singapore), which offsets higher rent or schooling costs for many professionals.

New Zealand offers high quality of life, but imported goods, remote location, and housing supply issues can drive up prices.