Migrant Labour Remittances in South Asia
MIGRANT LABOUR REMITTANCES IN SOUTH ASIA: DIRECTIONS IN DEVELOPMENT, Maimbo, S., Adams, R., Agrawal, R. and Passas, N., eds., 2005
Posted: 10 Jan 2006 Last revised: 24 Feb 2012
Abstract
South Asia has experienced a sharp increase in remittances since the mid-1990s. According to recent World Bank research, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are all among the world's top 20 receivers of remittances, with estimated receipts of US$3.2 billion, US$17.4 million,US$4.0 billion, and US$1.3 billion, respectively. Building on this research, Migrant Labor Remittances in South Asia focuses on the regional characteristics that distinguish South Asia from other remittance-active parts of the world:
* A large migrant population of semi-skilled and unskilled workers largely concentrated in Persian Gulf countries
* The presence of dedicated public institutions and government financial incentives aimed at facilitating remittance flows and providing incentives for temporary migration
* The existence of large state bank branch networks with immense potential to create more effective and efficient remittance financial markets
* The widespread use of trade-related informal remittance channels by both legal and illegal migrants.
The book discusses key issues regarding the development and implementation of remittance industry policies, processes, and infrastructure in South Asia to foster development-oriented transfer of financial resources between migrants in developed economies and their families in the region. It will be of special use to financial sector policymakers and legislators, particularly those responsible for ensuring compliance with international money-transfer codes and standards, as well as to researchers and providers of remittance services.
Keywords: Remittances, South Asia
JEL Classification: F22, O17, O16, O53
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation