New Delhi, November 14, 2025 — The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced the launch of a comprehensive National Migration Survey beginning July 2026, marking India’s first major assessment of migration patterns since the 2007–08 study.
The year-long exercise aims to fill critical data gaps related to internal migration, international movement, urban-rural shifts, labour mobility, and the economic impact of migration across states. Officials said the renewed survey is essential for shaping future policies linked to urban planning, employment generation, affordable housing, and social welfare.
MoSPI noted that India’s demographic landscape has transformed significantly over the past decade, driven by rapid urbanisation, climate-related displacement, and increased workforce mobility. The new survey will incorporate updated methodologies, including digital data collection, regional sampling, and sharper tracking of seasonal, circular, and long-term migration trends.
Experts say the absence of a full-scale migration dataset for nearly two decades has affected policymaking, especially during shocks such as the COVID-19 migrant crisis, when lack of granular data hindered response mechanisms.
The findings of the 2026 survey will be used to guide government strategies on economic development, transportation networks, skilling programs, and the management of India’s expanding urban centres.
MoSPI will release the final survey results in phases after the completion of fieldwork in 2027.
