World Immigration News

2025 saw sharp drop in immigration to Israel even as arrivals from Western nations surged

Release Date: 2025-12-29
Media: The Times of Israel
Summary: In 2025, about 21,900 new immigrants moved to Israel, according to the Immigration and Absorption Ministry, marking a drop of roughly one-third from the previous year. The decline was largely due to a sharp decrease in immigration from Russia, which fell by 57% to around 8,300 people, down from 19,500 in 2024 and far below the post-Ukraine invasion peak in 2022.

At the same time, immigration from Western countries increased significantly, driven by rising antisemitism and violent attacks targeting Jewish communities abroad. Immigration rose from the United States (about 3,500, 5%), France (about 3,300, 45%), and the United Kingdom (840, 19%), along with smaller increases from Canada, South Africa, and Australia. Non-Russian immigrants totaled about 13,600, up 23.6% year-on-year and 81% compared to 2023. Around one-third of new immigrants were aged 18–35.

Despite these figures, Israel continues to face a net migration deficit, with far more citizens leaving than arriving. In 2024, roughly 82,700 Israelis emigrated, and the trend is expected to continue in 2025, influenced by the ongoing war that began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and growing dissatisfaction with government policies.

In response to global antisemitism and potential future surges in immigration, the government has stepped up preparedness and integration efforts. These include immigration fairs worldwide, expanded employment and professional licensing support, new tax incentives such as a 0% income tax rate for immigrants arriving in 2026, and additional programs to attract skilled Jewish immigrants. Approximately 1,200 members of India’s Bnei Menashe community are expected to immigrate to Israel in 2026.
Tags: Israel

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