Sri Lanka: immigration

How many refugees have left Sri Lanka?

148,369 refugees from Sri Lanka were registered in other countries at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics, along with 33,564 asylum seekers.

Inside Sri Lanka, UNHCR counts 213 refugees, 271 asylum seekers and 4,099 internally displaced people. UNHCR figures are compiled from government and UNHCR registration data in host countries and published once a year. The World Bank estimates that 40,698 people born abroad lived in Sri Lanka in 2024.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population data, Sri Lanka as country of origin, 2025 · UNHCR: Population data, Sri Lanka as country of asylum, 2025 · World Bank: International migrant stock, Sri Lanka

How many immigrants live in Sri Lanka?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Sri Lanka was 0.2%, according to the UN Population Division. It is 6th highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 1.6%. Worldwide: 184th of 193.

Are more people leaving Sri Lanka than arriving?

According to the UN Population Division, net migration in Sri Lanka was -30,724 in 2025. The peak was -18,388 in 2016 and the low -118,594 in 2005. South Asia median: -197,712; Sri Lanka is 3rd highest of 6. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 162nd highest.

How many refugees are in Sri Lanka?

213: that is the number of refugees in the country in Sri Lanka for 2025, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at 1,041; its low point was 2005, at 106. Worldwide: 138th of 169.

How many people from Sri Lanka are refugees?

148,369: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Sri Lanka for 2025, according to UNHCR. The peak was 151,112 in 2021 and the low 108,132 in 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was 19,940, and Sri Lanka placed 1st highest of 6. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 23rd highest.

How much money do migrants send home to Sri Lanka?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 7.6% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 5.2% of GDP (2022) to 8.5% of GDP (2014). South Asia median: 7.4% of GDP; Sri Lanka is 2nd highest of 5. Worldwide: 25th of 127.