8 countries welcoming the most migrants in 2026

In 2026, global migration is being shaped by two main factors: Western countries actively recruiting workers to fix labour shortages and major geopolitical shifts causing people to move for safety.

While the United States has historically been the top destination, recent policy changes have caused its net migration numbers to drop significantly this year.

Here are 8 countries that are welcoming the most migrants in 2026:

1. Canada: Canada remains the most proactive country for immigration, aiming to welcome around 500,000 new permanent residents this year. Its “Express Entry” system and various provincial programmes make it the top choice for skilled workers, especially in healthcare and technology.

2. Germany: As Europe’s largest economy, Germany is welcoming over 1 million immigrants annually to combat its ageing workforce. Recent laws have made it much easier for non-EU citizens to move there for work, particularly those with vocational training or degrees.

3. Spain: Spain has emerged as a primary gateway into Europe, recording over 1.2 million arrivals recently. It is particularly popular for migrants from Latin America and North Africa, and its new “Digital Nomad” visas have attracted thousands of remote workers.

4. Australia: Australia continues to welcome roughly 400,000 migrants a year. The government has focused heavily on “Skilled Independent” visas to fill gaps in engineering, construction, and nursing, offering some of the highest minimum wages in the world.

5. United Kingdom: Despite stricter rules introduced recently, the UK still sees about 900,000 arrivals per year for long-term stays. Most of these migrants come for work in the health sector or for university studies, with many staying on “Graduate Route” visas.

6. United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE continues to be a massive hub for international labour, with over 200,000 people relocating there this year. It is unique because nearly 88% of its total population is made up of foreign nationals, supported by long-term “Golden Visas” for professionals.

7. Italy: Italy is welcoming nearly 450,000 immigrants annually. While many arrive through humanitarian routes, the government has also increased quotas for foreign workers in agriculture and tourism to support the local economy.

8. France: France welcomes over 400,000 migrants a year. It remains a top destination for students and skilled professionals, particularly in the tech and energy sectors, and has strong integration programs for those coming from French-speaking nations.

A Note on the United States

For decades, the US was the undisputed #1. However, in 2026, new restrictive policies and increased enforcement have caused net migration to fall toward zero or even negative levels for the first time in 50 years. While people are still arriving, the number of people leaving or being removed has balanced out the total.