Malawi: immigration

How many refugees are there in Malawi?

Malawi hosted 35,241 refugees and 25,251 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics. Most refugees were from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (25,285), followed by Burundi (6,676) and Rwanda (3,188), according to the breakdown by origin.

Asylum seekers are people whose claims have not yet been decided. UNHCR figures are compiled from government and UNHCR registration data and published once a year. For all foreign-born residents, the World Bank estimates an international migrant stock of 186,719 in 2024.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population data, Malawi as country of asylum, 2025 · UNHCR: Refugees in Malawi by country of origin, 2025 · World Bank: International migrant stock, Malawi

How many foreign-born people live in Malawi?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Malawi was 0.9% in 2024. It was 1.2% in 2015. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 2.2%, and Malawi placed 37th highest of 48. Worldwide: 155th of 193.

What is net migration in Malawi?

In 2025, net migration in Malawi was -5,628, according to the UN Population Division. The peak was 3,505 in 2016 and the low -31,462 in 2005. It is 24th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is -5,646. World rank, highest first: 116th of 193.

How many refugees are in Malawi?

In 2025, the number of refugees in the country in Malawi was 35,241, according to UNHCR. The peak was 35,510 in 2024 and the low 2,927 in 2007. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 35,241, and Malawi placed 23rd highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 72nd of 169.

How many people from Malawi are refugees?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Malawi was 551, according to UNHCR. The peak was 570 in 2024 and the low 93 in 2007. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 12,726; Malawi is 38th highest of 48. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 114th highest.

How much money do migrants send home to Malawi?

In 2025, personal remittances received in Malawi was 2.0% of GDP, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 2.9% of GDP; its low point was 2009, at 0.2% of GDP. It is 12th highest of 20 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.6% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 66th of 127.