Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: immigration

How many migrants live in St Vincent and the Grenadines?

4,440 people living in St Vincent and the Grenadines were born abroad at the 2023 census, 4.1% of the population, down from 4,898 (4.5%) in 2012, according to the Statistical Office's 2023 Population and Housing Census report. Most lived in Calliaqua (38%) and Kingstown (18.2%).

The foreign-born population is getting older: the share aged 65 and over rose from 8.3% to 15.3%. The census counts everyone born outside the country, including Vincentians born abroad who later moved home. The total population was 109,296, slightly below the 109,991 of 2012.

Official sources: Statistical Office: 2023 Population and Housing Census report (PDF)

Where do people from St Vincent and the Grenadines emigrate to?

Other Caribbean countries were the leading destination of emigrants from St Vincent and the Grenadines, at 30.6%, followed by the United Kingdom (24.6%), the United States (21.5%) and Canada (17.3%), according to the Statistical Office's 2023 Population and Housing Census report. Employment was the main reason for leaving, cited for 63.8% of emigrants.

The figures describe emigrants recorded through the census, not the whole diaspora. The report notes that Canada and the United States were historically the main destinations, and that return migration increased, with nearly half of returnees coming back from other Caribbean countries.

Official sources: Statistical Office: 2023 Population and Housing Census report (PDF)

How many immigrants live in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was 4.8%, according to the UN Population Division. In 2015 the figure was 4.3%. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 4.8%, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines placed 17th highest of 33. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 90th highest.

What is net migration in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

According to the UN Population Division, net migration in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was -714 in 2025. The peak was -493 in 2020 and the low -1,414 in 2008. Latin America & Caribbean median: -967; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 16th highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 88th of 193.

How many refugees have fled Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at 194 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 136 (2022) to 1,823 (2015). It is 25th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 710. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 135th highest.

How big are remittances in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' economy?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 7.0% of GDP. The peak was 9.0% of GDP in 2022 and the low 5.2% of GDP in 2018. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 3.3% of GDP, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines placed 6th highest of 27. World rank, highest first: 28th of 127.