Global Indians Account for the Highest Number of Immigrants Worldwide
Indian emigration continues to be a significant global phenomenon, with the number of people of Indian origin or Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) exceeding 35 million worldwide in 2025. The largest Indian diaspora populations are found in the United States, the UAE, Kuwait, and other Gulf countries, reflecting traditional migration hubs for education, employment, and investment opportunities.
Destination Countries
The UAE and the USA lead as the top destinations for Indian millionaires relocating in 2025. The UAE, with its zero income tax, investor-friendly policies, lifestyle, and long-term visa options, attracts a net inflow of 9,800 millionaires. The USA follows closely with 7,500, while Saudi Arabia experiences rapid growth with a net inflow of +2,400 millionaires.
Emigration by Wealth Segment (Millionaires)
Although India has seen a decline in the outward flow of wealthy elites, with an expected decrease from 4,300 in 2024 to 3,500 in 2025, the wealth carried abroad by these millionaires remains substantial, projected at $26.2 billion in 2025. Despite this outward migration, India's population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) has grown 72% from 2014 to 2024, driven by startups, stock market gains, and family wealth.
Gender Distribution
Migration by gender shows that while male migration rates have historically exceeded female rates, the gap is narrowing. In India, the share of female migrants is rising, although it has not yet surpassed male migration rates in relative terms. Greater gender equality in both origin and destination countries correlates with higher shares of female migrants internationally, implying that India’s evolving gender norms may influence female emigration patterns.
Changes Over Time
The global Indian diaspora has been steadily growing, with the largest concentrations in countries like the USA, UAE, and Kuwait. Millionaire migration saw a peak in 2023 followed by a gradual decline projected for 2025, but remains high relative to other countries. Internal migration within India has also increased substantially in recent decades, although this is distinct from international emigration and has different dynamics.
Notable Statistics
- The number of Indian men and women in the USA and the UK is nearly equal.
- The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) estimates India's emigrant population using data from the population censuses of destination countries, along with population registers and surveys.
- The UAE and the USA accounted for 6% of all international migrants globally in 2024.
- Pakistan is still home to 1.6 million Indian-born individuals, making up nearly 9% of all Indians living abroad in 2024.
- Nearly nine out of ten Indians living abroad reside in just 10 countries.
- Men primarily migrate to GCC countries, while women are more likely to move to the USA.
In summary, Indian emigration trends in 2025 are marked by continued strong expatriate communities in traditional destination countries, significant outward mobility of wealthy individuals mainly to Gulf states and the USA, and evolving gender patterns that reflect broader global migration trends. Changes over time show both growth in diaspora size and some fluctuations in the emigration rate among high-net-worth individuals.
- The significant outward flow of Indian millionaires in 2025 is influenced by the political and economic factors of destination countries such as the USA, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, which offer zero income tax, investor-friendly policies, and long-term visa options.
- The changing gender patterns in Indian emigration reveal that while male migration rates have traditionally been higher, the gap is narrowing, and the rising share of female migrants is linked to greater gender equality in both origin and destination countries.
