Asian worker migration declined in 2024 over visa restrictions

Oman limits new entries over fake applications; Malaysia cites potential rights abuses

20250923N Migrant workers

Migrant workers at a construction site near Riyadh. Demand for infrastructure in Saudi Arabia has brought in more workers from overseas. (Sipa via AP)

SHIGERU SENO

TOKYO -- Migrant worker outflows from Asian countries fell 7% last year to about 6.5 million for the first drop since 2020, reflecting tighter regulations in some host countries such as Oman and Malaysia. 

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