Bhutan: immigration

How many foreign workers are there in Bhutan?

Bhutan approved 142,908 foreign workers in 2024, according to the Labour MarketNet System of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, published in the Statistical Yearbook of Bhutan 2025. Craft and related trade workers made up 121,254 of them, followed by elementary occupations (12,091) and technicians (5,286).

The count is of approvals, not the number of foreign workers present at one time. Work permits are issued by the Department of Immigration.

Official sources: NSB: Statistical Yearbook of Bhutan 2025 (PDF) · Department of Immigration

How many foreign-born people live in Bhutan?

7.0%: that is the share of people born abroad in Bhutan for 2024, according to the UN Population Division. That compares with 6.9% in 2015. It is 2nd highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 1.6%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 78th highest.

How many people move to Bhutan each year?

The UN Population Division puts net migration in Bhutan at 455 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -1,553 (2007) to 1,116 (2016). It is 1st highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is -197,712. World rank, highest first: 66th of 193.

How many refugees have fled Bhutan?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 7,257. Since 2005 it has ranged from 6,676 (2023) to 110,593 (2007). Across South Asia the middle value was 19,940, and Bhutan placed 5th highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 68th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Bhutan?

3.3% of GDP: that is personal remittances received in Bhutan for 2024, according to the World Bank. The peak was 3.6% of GDP in 2023 and the low 0.2% of GDP in 2007. South Asia median: 4.9% of GDP; Bhutan is 5th highest of 6. Of 156 countries with 2024 data, 61st highest.