MIGNEX Background Paper
Direct effects of migration on development
Migration can affect households through various channels: the absence of a person, receiving remittances or learning of new ideas. Our analysis focuses on how these different aspects of migration influence well-being across five dimensions and specific indicators in 25 research areas, showing that migration influences multidimensional household well-being and development in a diversity of ways that are not always straightforward.
Key takeaways
Having a return migrant and receiving remittances are associated with higher participation in groups and social capital, showing that the effects of migration go beyond only financial ones.
The aggregated analysis hides interesting and diverse findings within specific indicators or local areas, strongly pointing to the value of disaggregation.
“Social remittances” that households receive can be just as – or more – important, alongside, or instead of, financial remittances.
