India Remains World’s Largest Recipient of Remittances in 2024: UN Report

India received over USD 137 billion in remittances in 2024, making it the world’s top remittance-receiving country, according to the World Migration Report 2026 released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). India was also the only country to cross the USD 100 billion mark. 

The report said India has remained the world’s leading remittance recipient since 2010. Remittance inflows increased steadily from:

USD 53.48 billion in 2010

USD 68.91 billion in 2015

USD 83.15 billion in 2020

USD 137.67 billion in 2024

The top remittance-receiving countries in 2024 were:

India

Mexico

Philippines

France

The strong inflow is mainly driven by:

India’s large global diaspora

Skilled Indian professionals working abroad

Recovery in job markets of developed countries

Growth in overseas employment opportunities

The report also noted that South Asia recorded the highest remittance growth globally in 2024, supported by strong inflows to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

What is World Migration Report?

The World Migration Report is a flagship global report published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is a UN-related organization working on migration issues worldwide.

The report provides:

Global migration trends and statistics

Data on international migrants and refugees

Remittance flows

Labour migration patterns

Migration policies and challenges

Regional migration analysis

Important Terms and Aspects

TermMeaning

RemittanceMoney sent by people working abroad to families in their home country

DiasporaPeople living outside their country of origin

IOMInternational Organization for Migration, a UN migration agency

Inward RemittanceMoney flowing into a country from abroad

Foreign Exchange Inflow Entry of foreign currency into a country

Current Account Support Remittances help reduce pressure on trade deficits and support the economy

International Organization for Migration

Formation: 6 December 1951

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

Director General: Amy Pope