Remittances and development in South Asia

Amjad, Rashid (2006): Remittances and development in South Asia. Published in: SAPANA: South Asian Studied , Vol. XIII, (2006): pp. 204-214.

Abstract

In Pakistan during the 1980s migration and remittance flows were perhaps the single most important factor in explaining the rapid decline in poverty during these years. In Sri Lanka, where nearly half of out-migrants are women, migration and remittances have both affected the labour market and foreign exchange position of the country. In Bangladesh and India migration outflows have been significant but never so large to have a major impact on the labour market, although in India at the regional level e.g., Kerala and in certain districts of Bangladesh the impact may have been more important. In Bangladesh and India remittances are still significant as a proportion of the gross domestic product.

This paper reviews the trends in remittances post-September 11, 2001 and analyses factors which may explain a significant increase in three of the four South Asian economies reviewed in the paper, namely, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and the impact of this increase on economic developments in these countries.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Remittances; Development; South Asia
• Subjects: F - International Economics > F2 - International Factor Movements and International Business > F24 - Remittances

References

Richard H. Jr. Adams and John Page, 'International Migration, Remittances and Poverty in Developing Countries,' World Bank Research Working Paper 3179, December 2003.

Rashid Amjad (ed.), To the Gulf and Back: Studies on the Economic Impact of Asian Labour Migration, (ILO/ARTEP, 1989).

Rashid Amjad and A.R.Kemal, 'Macroeconomic Policies and their impact on Poverty Alleviation in Pakistan', The Pakistan Development Review, Winter 1997, Islamabad.

ILO/ARTEP, Impact of Out and Return Migration on Domestic Employment and Labour Market in Pakistan, vol. I to VII, Asian Employment Programme, 1989.