Palau: immigration

Why is Palau's population falling?

Palau's population has fallen by 11.5% since 2005, largely because of emigration to Guam and other US territories, according to Annex III of the IMF's 2025 Article IV staff report. The report puts the population at 17,591 in 2024.

Under the Compact of Free Association, Palauans can live, work and study in the United States without a visa, the IMF notes, and education, health care and job opportunities there add to the pull. The IMF links emigration to shortages of skilled public-sector staff in health and education. The President's July 2026 address says more than 600 foreign nationals have been denied re-entry to Palau through an interagency review chaired by the Attorney General.

Official sources: IMF: Republic of Palau, 2025 Article IV consultation, Country Report No. 26/22 (PDF) · Office of the President: State of the Republic Address, 22 July 2026 (PDF)

How many foreign-born people live in Palau?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Palau was 29.5%, according to the UN Population Division. In 2015 the figure was 27.8%. East Asia & Pacific median: 2.1%; Palau is 3rd highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 17th of 193.

Are more people leaving Palau than arriving?

In 2025, net migration in Palau was -16, according to the UN Population Division. The peak was 0 in 2020 and the low -405 in 2011. East Asia & Pacific median: -373; Palau is 11th highest of 30. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 75th highest.

How many refugees does Palau host?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2024, is 5. In 2009 the figure was 11. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 261, and Palau placed 15th highest of 19. Of 172 countries with 2024 data, 158th highest.

How many refugees come from Palau?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Palau at 5 in 2023. In 2013 the figure was 0. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 48, and Palau placed 23rd highest of 29. Of 189 countries with 2023 data, 174th highest.

How much money do migrants send home to Palau?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Palau was 0.8% of GDP in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at 1.1% of GDP; its low point was 2016, at 0.8% of GDP. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.1% of GDP, and Palau placed 16th highest of 22. Of 164 countries with 2023 data, 116th highest.