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. 2009 Nov;15(11):1727–1731. doi: 10.3201/eid1511.090419

Table. Global estimates of annual migrant populations.

Administrative category Population estimates and year Reference
Refugees 16 million in 2007 (18)
Asylum seekers or refugee claimants 650,000 in 2007 (18)
Internally displaced persons 51 million in 2007, includes those displaced by natural disasters and conflict (18)
Temporary (recreational or business travel) movement 924 million in 2008 (19)
Regular immigrants Annual flow of 2.4 million, reported in 2005 (from a stock of 200 million immigrants worldwide) (20)
International students 2.1 million in 2003 (21)
Migrant workers 81–86 million in 2005 (22)
Trafficked (across international borders) persons Estimated 800,000 in 2006 (23)
Domestic arrivals, by air Estimated 900 million in 2007 (24)