Vanuatu: immigration

Does Vanuatu publish immigration statistics?

No official figures on work permits, residence or citizenship grants were found on the websites of the Department of Immigration and Passport Services and the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, checked on 15 October 2026.

The bureau does count people crossing the border. In August 2026, residents made up 21% of the 14,016 air arrivals, according to its visitor arrivals release, and total departures were 14,108. These are movements, not migrants, so they do not show how many people settle in Vanuatu.

Official sources: Department of Immigration and Passport Services · Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics · Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics: international visitor arrivals, August 2026 (PDF)

How many immigrants live in Vanuatu?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 1.0%. In 2015 the figure was 1.2%. East Asia & Pacific median: 2.1%; Vanuatu is 18th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 150th of 193.

Are more people leaving Vanuatu than arriving?

In 2025, net migration in Vanuatu was -52, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from -1,413 (2010) to 0 (2022). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was -373, and Vanuatu placed 12th highest of 30. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 77th highest.

How many refugees live in Vanuatu?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 0. No year since 2008 has been lower. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 631, and Vanuatu placed 16th highest of 18. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 163rd highest.

How many people from Vanuatu are refugees?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Vanuatu at 13 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2017. East Asia & Pacific median: 73; Vanuatu is 23rd highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 175th of 189.

How big are remittances in Vanuatu's economy?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Vanuatu was 17.2% of GDP in 2022. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1.1% of GDP (2007) to 18.3% of GDP (2021). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.1% of GDP, and Vanuatu placed 4th highest of 24. Worldwide: 18th of 166.