People Are Leaving Western Countries in Record Numbers | The Economist
Why It Matters
Rising Western emigration erodes future tax bases while expanding a global talent diaspora, forcing governments to rethink retention and fiscal strategies.
Key Takeaways
- •Emigration from 31 rich nations rose ~20% in 2024, 4 million people.
- •Native-born departures surged: US +11%, Ireland +29%, New Zealand +74%.
- •Remote‑work flexibility fuels relocation, with firms hiring 36% more abroad.
- •Tax and political dissatisfaction drive high‑income earners to lower‑tax jurisdictions.
- •Return migration mitigates loss; 40% of New Zealand emigrants come back.
Summary
The Economist’s latest analysis shows that emigration from thirty‑one wealthy nations jumped to roughly four million people in 2024 – a 20 percent increase over pre‑pandemic levels. The surge reverses the immigration boom that peaked in 2022‑23 and reflects a broader shift in mobility patterns across the West.
Both foreign‑born and native‑born residents are leaving. American expatriates rose 11 percent since 2019, Irish departures jumped 29 percent, and New Zealand saw a staggering 74 percent rise. Remote‑work adoption is a key driver; firms now employ 36 percent more staff living abroad than they did in 2019.
Tax‑policy changes and political discontent also motivate moves. High‑earners cite “Robin Hood” tax regimes, while many Americans cite opposition to Donald Trump, Britons to Keir Starmer’s policies, and Canadians to prolonged Liberal rule. In New Zealand, about 40 percent of native‑born emigrants return within a few years, bringing back savings, networks and skills.
The outflow threatens fiscal bases, especially for smaller, ageing economies that lose future tax revenue. Yet the growing diaspora and return migration soften the blow, suggesting policymakers must balance talent retention with the benefits of a globally mobile workforce.
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