Rwanda: immigration

How many refugees are there in Rwanda?

Rwanda hosted 115,794 refugees and 15,251 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics. Most came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (64,192) and Burundi (50,746).

The total was 114,368 refugees at the end of 2024. Refugee affairs are handled by the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) with UNHCR. UNHCR also counts 14,500 stateless people in Rwanda. Figures are end-year stock counts.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, Rwanda as host (2025) · UNHCR: Refugees in Rwanda by origin (2025)

How many Rwandan refugees are there abroad?

244,415 refugees and 20,214 asylum seekers from Rwanda were living abroad at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics, down from 249,096 refugees a year earlier. 7,212 Rwandan refugees returned home during 2025.

The largest groups of Rwandan refugees live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (198,125) and Uganda (23,244), according to UNHCR. UNHCR figures count people recognised as refugees by host governments or UNHCR. The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration handles passports and citizenship for Rwandans returning home.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, Rwanda as origin (2025)

How many immigrants live in Rwanda?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Rwanda was 3.6%, according to the UN Population Division. It was 4.4% in 2015. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 2.2%, and Rwanda placed 15th highest of 48. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 106th highest.

How many people move to Rwanda each year?

In 2025, net migration in Rwanda was 6,282, according to the UN Population Division. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -5,646, and Rwanda placed 7th highest of 48. Worldwide: 47th of 193.

How many refugees live in Rwanda?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Rwanda at 115,794 in 2025. The peak was 170,991 in 2017 and the low 45,202 in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 35,241, and Rwanda placed 14th highest of 45. Worldwide: 49th of 169.

How many refugees come from Rwanda?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Rwanda was 244,415, according to UNHCR. Since 2005 it has ranged from 72,529 (2008) to 286,357 (2015). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 12,726, and Rwanda placed 11th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 17th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Rwanda?

3.4% of GDP: that is personal remittances received in Rwanda for 2024, according to the World Bank. The peak was 3.5% of GDP in 2023 and the low 1.8% of GDP in 2010. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.5% of GDP; Rwanda is 14th highest of 36. World rank, highest first: 59th of 156.