Algeria: immigration

How many refugees are in Algeria?

Algeria hosted 180,575 refugees and 3,690 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population data, read on 15 October 2026. By country of origin, 173,600 were from Western Sahara.

UNHCR records Western Sahara as these refugees' country of origin. The next largest groups were from Syria (5,867 refugees) and Mali (281 refugees and 1,157 asylum seekers). The counts include only people registered as refugees or asylum seekers, not other migrants.

Official sources: UNHCR population data: in Algeria · UNHCR population data: refugees in Algeria by origin, 2025

How many Algerians seek asylum abroad?

12,949 Algerians were asylum seekers abroad at the end of 2025, and 9,174 were recognised refugees, according to UNHCR population data, read on 15 October 2026. At the end of 2024 there were 13,598 asylum seekers and 8,800 refugees.

Asylum seekers have applied for protection and are waiting for a decision; refugees have been recognised. The figures do not cover Algerians who move abroad for work or study, who are counted in host countries' migration statistics.

Official sources: UNHCR population data: from Algeria

What share of Algeria's population are immigrants?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Algeria was 0.6% in 2024. It is 19th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 11.5%. World rank, highest first: 166th of 193.

What is net migration in Algeria?

The UN Population Division puts net migration in Algeria at -27,531 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -51,345 (2005) to -2,101 (2008). It is 17th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is -376. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 158th highest.

How many refugees are in Algeria?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 180,575. Since 2005 it has ranged from 94,094 (2008) to 183,368 (2024). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 15,377, and Algeria placed 8th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 37th of 169.

How many refugees come from Algeria?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Algeria was 9,174 in 2025. The peak was 12,024 in 2005 and the low 3,470 in 2015. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 7,322; Algeria is 11th highest of 22. Worldwide: 64th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Algeria?

In 2025, personal remittances received in Algeria was 0.6% of GDP, according to the World Bank. The peak was 1.1% of GDP in 2016 and the low 0.1% of GDP in 2008. It is 5th highest of 11 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 0.6% of GDP. Worldwide: 92nd of 127.