Israel: immigration

How many immigrants come to Israel each year?

31,100 immigrants arrived in Israel in 2024, down from 46,000 in 2023, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025. Since 1948, 3.49 million immigrants have arrived.

The figures count people who entered under the Law of Return, which applies to Jews and their family members. A CBS release for Independence Day 2026 counts about 21,000 immigrants in the year to April 2026.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025 · release for Independence Day 2026

How many Israelis are leaving Israel?

82,800 Israelis were counted as long-term emigrants for 2024, up from 55,300 for 2023, while 24,200 Israelis returned after a long stay abroad, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025.

A long-term emigrant is someone who stayed abroad for more than 365 days after leaving, so a year's figure can only be fixed a year later. CBS changed its method for counting Israelis abroad after the 2022 Census. Its April 2026 Independence Day release gives a net balance of Israelis staying abroad of minus 45,000 for the year to April 2026.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025 · Independence Day release

How many foreign workers are in Israel?

112,400 foreign workers with work permits entered Israel in 2024 and 60,900 left, according to Population and Immigration Authority data in the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025. 81,500 entered in 2023.

In the labour market data in the same booklet, workers from abroad held 154,100 employee jobs in 2024, and foreign workers including Palestinians held 180,400 jobs, 4.3% of all employee jobs. Their average monthly wage was NIS 8,011 for workers from abroad. Work permits are issued by the Population and Immigration Authority by sector, mainly construction, agriculture and care.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025

How many asylum seekers are in Israel?

Israel hosted 29,682 asylum seekers and 1,274 recognised refugees at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics. UNHCR also counts 23,499 other people of concern to it.

By origin, the largest groups of asylum seekers were from Eritrea (6,693), Sudan (4,895), Russia (3,577) and Sri Lanka (3,288), according to the UNHCR breakdown by origin. UNHCR compiles these counts from national data; the Population and Immigration Authority handles asylum claims in Israel.

Official sources: UNHCR population statistics · UNHCR breakdown by origin

How many foreign-born people live in Israel?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people born abroad in Israel at 22.3% in 2024. In 2015 the figure was 25.1%. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 11.5%, and Israel placed 10th highest of 22. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 24th highest.

What is net migration in Israel?

11,466: that is net migration in Israel for 2025, according to the UN Population Division. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 50,004; its low point was 2009, at 7,269. It is 9th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is -376. Worldwide: 41st of 193.

How many refugees does Israel host?

In 2025, the number of refugees in the country in Israel was 1,274, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at 48,490; its low point was 2005, at 598. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 15,377; Israel is 17th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 122nd of 169.

How many refugees have fled Israel?

1,265: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Israel for 2025, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 1,539; its low point was 2020, at 373. It is 17th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 7,322. Worldwide: 101st of 189.

How big are remittances in Israel's economy?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Israel was 0.2% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.2% of GDP (2024) to 0.3% of GDP (2007). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 0.6% of GDP, and Israel placed 8th highest of 11. World rank, highest first: 108th of 127.