Migration and Remittances Factbook

Migration and Remittances Factbook 2016

Author

Dilip Ratha, Sonia Plaza, Ervin Dervisevic

Date
April
2016
Abstract:

The number of migrants has risen rapidly in the past few years for various reasons: job opportunities, labor shortages resulting from falling birth rates, internal confl ict and war, natural disasters, climate change, and improved access to information through phone and the Internet. Migrants are now sending earnings back to their families in developing countries at levels above US$441 billion, a fi gure three times the volume of offi cial aid fl ows. These infl ows of cash constitute more than 10 percent of GDP in some 25 developing countries and lead to increased investments in health, education, and small businesses in various communities. The loss/ benefi t picture of this reality is twofold: while the migration of highly skilled people from small, poor countries can affect basic service delivery, it can generate numerous benefi ts, including increased trade, investment, knowledge, and technology transfers from diaspora contributions.

Migration and Remittances Factbook 2011