Myanmar: immigration

How many refugees are from Myanmar?

1,524,378 refugees and 67,824 asylum seekers from Myanmar were living in other countries at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics. That compares with 1,322,503 refugees at the end of 2024.

UNHCR counts people recognised as refugees, or in refugee-like situations, by host governments or by UNHCR. Myanmar's government does not publish figures on people who have left as refugees. People who left for work are counted separately in the Ministry of Labour's overseas employment figures.

Official sources: UNHCR population statistics: origin Myanmar

How many Myanmar refugees are in Bangladesh, Malaysia and Thailand?

Bangladesh hosted 1,178,003 refugees from Myanmar at the end of 2025, Malaysia 140,238, Thailand 80,411 and India 76,784, according to UNHCR population statistics by country of asylum. Malaysia also had 52,243 asylum seekers from Myanmar.

The figures count people registered or recognised in each host country; people without any status are not included. UNHCR's Myanmar data portal publishes more frequent situation updates.

Official sources: UNHCR population statistics: Myanmar refugees by country of asylum · UNHCR Operational Data Portal: Myanmar

How many people are displaced inside Myanmar?

3,628,840 people were internally displaced inside Myanmar at the end of 2025, up from 3,513,867 a year earlier, according to UNHCR population statistics. UNHCR also recorded 415,089 people who had returned to their home areas during the year.

Internally displaced people have fled their homes but not crossed a border. The figures are estimates compiled by UNHCR and its partners; access to many affected areas is limited.

Official sources: UNHCR population statistics: Myanmar as country of asylum

How many stateless people are there in Myanmar?

UNHCR counted 519,647 stateless people in Myanmar at the end of 2025, down from 619,429 at the end of 2024, according to its population statistics.

UNHCR counts as stateless people who are not considered nationals by any state under the operation of its law. People from Myanmar who have crossed a border are counted as refugees or asylum seekers in the host country, not in this figure. Myanmar's government does not publish its own statelessness figures.

Official sources: UNHCR population statistics: Myanmar as country of asylum

How many foreign-born people live in Myanmar?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people born abroad in Myanmar at 0.1% in 2024. It is 28th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 2.1%. World rank, highest first: 189th of 193.

What is net migration in Myanmar?

In 2025, net migration in Myanmar was -39,661, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from -186,098 (2006) to -34,988 (2022). It is 27th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is -373. World rank, highest first: 169th of 193.

How many refugees have fled Myanmar?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Myanmar was 1.52 million, according to UNHCR. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 73, and Myanmar placed 1st highest of 29. Worldwide: 6th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Myanmar?

3.4% of GDP: that is personal remittances received in Myanmar for 2019, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2018, at 3.9% of GDP; its low point was 2009, at 0.1% of GDP. It is 12th highest of 25 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 3.0% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 63rd of 169.