Iraq: immigration

How many people are displaced in Iraq?

997,334 people were internally displaced in Iraq at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population data, read on 15 October 2026. The figure was 1,031,475 at the end of 2024.

Internally displaced people have fled their homes but stayed inside Iraq. The count has fallen slowly as people return or settle elsewhere. The Ministry of Migration and Displaced is responsible for displaced people and returnees.

Official sources: UNHCR population data: in Iraq · Ministry of Migration and Displaced

How many refugees are in Iraq?

Iraq hosted 322,345 refugees and 23,366 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population data, read on 15 October 2026. By country of origin, 308,226 were from Syria.

Other groups included 7,044 Palestinians, 3,537 refugees and 3,232 asylum seekers from Türkiye, and 3,285 refugees and 5,812 asylum seekers from Iran. The counts include only people registered as refugees or asylum seekers.

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

How many Iraqi refugees are there?

270,671 refugees and 96,887 asylum seekers from Iraq were counted abroad at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population data, read on 15 October 2026. At the end of 2024 the figures were 305,504 refugees and 151,623 asylum seekers.

Refugees have been recognised by the host country or UNHCR; asylum seekers have applied and are waiting for a decision. The figures do not include Iraqis who live abroad for work or study.

Official sources: UNHCR population data: from Iraq

Is Iraq counting Iraqis living abroad?

Yes. The Statistics Authority has launched an online registration platform for its project to count Iraqi communities abroad, according to its press release. The project aims to build a full and accurate database of Iraqis living in other countries.

Iraqis abroad are invited to register their details on the platform the release names. The release does not give a target number or deadline. Separately, UNHCR counts Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers, but not other Iraqis abroad.

Official sources: Statistics Authority: Iraqi communities abroad count

How many Iraqi refugees have returned?

37,107 refugees returned to Iraq in 2025, according to UNHCR population data, read on 15 October 2026, up from 23,896 in 2024.

A returned refugee is someone who had fled abroad as a refugee and came back during the year. The count covers returns recorded by UNHCR or the authorities. Return does not always mean people have gone back to their former homes; some remain displaced inside Iraq.

Official sources: UNHCR population data: in Iraq

How many foreign-born people live in Iraq?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Iraq was 0.8%, according to the UN Population Division. In 2015 the figure was 1.0%. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 11.5%, and Iraq placed 18th highest of 22. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 157th highest.

Are more people leaving Iraq than arriving?

The UN Population Division puts net migration in Iraq at -1,064 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -1.21 million (2006) to 753,907 (2012). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was -376, and Iraq placed 13th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 90th of 193.

How many refugees are in Iraq?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Iraq at 322,345 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 15,377, and Iraq placed 6th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 25th of 169.

How many people from Iraq are refugees?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Iraq was 270,671 in 2025. The peak was 2.31 million in 2007 and the low 262,302 in 2005. It is 3rd highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 7,322. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 16th highest.

How big are remittances in Iraq's economy?

The World Bank puts personal remittances received in Iraq at 0.3% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 1.4% of GDP in 2005 and the low 0.0% of GDP in 2007. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 0.6% of GDP, and Iraq placed 7th highest of 11. World rank, highest first: 102nd of 127.