Remittances and Migration: Some Policy Considerations for NGOs

This briefing paper summarizes major issues relating to impact of remittances on development. It highlights policy developments and implications for NGOs working in the field of migration and remittances.

The paper gives an overview of the global remittances and migration scenario and analyzes the social and economic impact of remittances. It cites examples of government policies which encourage and hamper remittances. The paper states that while remittances offer NGOs the opportunity to support the poor at household and community levels, NGOs must recognize the limitations of remittances. Strategy and policy considerations for NGOs include:

• Promoting Home Town Associations as a means of channelizing remittances towards community projects;
• Establishing diaspora business networks to mobilize and facilitate investment in home countries;
• Providing information to migrants, potential migrants and diaspora associations.

The paper concludes with recommendations for potential policy led research in the area of remittances.