# Mexico Remains Top Source for OECD Asylum Seekers in 2025 Mexico ranks among top three asylum origins while domestic immigration flows see significant decline. - **Source:** [El Economista MX](https://www.eleconomista.com.mx) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8beceeb2-13d2-4573-b127-80cb7d489ace ## Persistent Migration Outflow Mexico maintained its position among the top three countries of origin for asylum seekers within OECD economies throughout 2025. Alongside Venezuela and Haiti, Mexican citizens consistently sought international protection. The majority of these applications were filed in the United States, occurring amidst a year defined by intensified border controls and rising deportations. ## Domestic Immigration Decline In contrast to the outflow, Mexico experienced a 15% annual decrease in new long-term immigrants, totaling 63,000 arrivals in 2025. First-time asylum requests within Mexican territory also dropped by 11%, reaching approximately 70,000. Cuba led the list of foreign nationals seeking protection in Mexico with 35,000 applicants, followed by Venezuela and Haiti. ## Global OECD Migration Trends The OECD recorded 6.1 million new permanent immigrants across its member nations during 2025. This figure represents a 1.6% annual reduction, marking the second consecutive yearly decline. Despite this downward trend, total migration flows remain 12.5% higher than the levels observed in 2019, the period immediately preceding the global pandemic. ## Shifting Migration Motivations The composition of international movement underwent notable changes throughout 2025. Permanent labor migration saw a significant growth of 13%, while humanitarian-based migration experienced a sharp 26% decrease. Family reunification remained the primary driver for migration, accounting for 45% of all new permanent arrivals across the various OECD member states analyzed. ## Economic Impact of Migration The OECD emphasizes that migration carries increasing economic implications for host countries, particularly as they face demographic aging and labor shortages. Immigrants accounted for 16% of total employment within OECD nations in 2024. This represents a three percentage point increase compared to the data recorded exactly one decade prior to this study. ## Labor Market Contributions Immigration has become a critical component of workforce expansion in developed economies. In half of the OECD member countries, immigrants contributed to at least 50% of total employment growth between 2014 and 2024. This trend highlights the essential role foreign-born workers play in mitigating productivity slowdowns and addressing systemic labor market gaps. ## Context of Border Pressures The migration landscape in Mexico evolved within a broader context of heightened pressure on international movement. While the United States implemented stricter enforcement, the global environment for asylum seekers became increasingly complex. These geopolitical factors directly influenced the volume and direction of human displacement patterns observed throughout the 2025 calendar year. ## Future Policy Implications As nations grapple with aging populations and economic stagnation, the reliance on immigrant labor continues to grow. Policymakers must balance the demand for labor with the political realities of border security. The data suggests that migration will remain a central pillar for economic stability in OECD countries for the foreseeable future. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/economia/mexico-mantuvo-top-3-paises-origen-solicitantes-asilo-ocde-20261112-843617.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._