Papua New Guinea: immigration

How many refugees are in Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea hosted 7,727 refugees and 3,121 asylum seekers in 2025, according to the UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. UNHCR also counts 70,124 people displaced inside the country, down from 84,051 in 2024.

Internally displaced people have fled their homes, for example because of conflict or disasters, but remain in Papua New Guinea. The refugee count includes people who have lived in the country for many years. UNHCR figures are published once a year and rely on government and partner data. Visas, work permits and citizenship are handled by the Immigration and Citizenship Authority, whose site blocks automated checks.

Official sources: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder · Immigration and Citizenship Authority

How many immigrants live in Papua New Guinea?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Papua New Guinea was 0.3% in 2024. In 2015 the figure was 0.4%. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.1%, and Papua New Guinea placed 23rd highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 179th of 193.

Are more people leaving Papua New Guinea than arriving?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is -284. Its high point since 2005 was 2010, at 50,106; its low point was 2022, at -787. East Asia & Pacific median: -373; Papua New Guinea is 15th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 84th of 193.

How many refugees live in Papua New Guinea?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Papua New Guinea at 7,727 in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. East Asia & Pacific median: 631; Papua New Guinea is 5th highest of 18. World rank, highest first: 97th of 169.

How many refugees come from Papua New Guinea?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 644. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 73, and Papua New Guinea placed 10th highest of 29. Worldwide: 109th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Papua New Guinea?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2024, is 0.0% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.0% of GDP (2020) to 0.1% of GDP (2005). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.2% of GDP, and Papua New Guinea placed 20th highest of 20. Worldwide: 156th of 156.