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Migration, Remittances, and Household Welfare: Evidence from Pakistan

Author

Listed:
  • Masood Sarwar Awan

    (Associate professor, Department of Economics, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.)

  • Mohsin Javed

    (MPhil student, Department of Economics, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.)

  • Muhammad Waqas

    (PhD student, Department of Economics, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.)

Abstract

This study examines the costs and household-level benefits of overseas migration in Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan. A household survey was conducted to assess the transaction costs associated with the transfer of remittances and the sources used to finance overseas migration. We also carry out a propensity-score matching exercise, which reveals that overseas migration has substantial benefits as measured by migrants’ consumption levels, their expenditures on health, education, and vehicles, and the level of household savings. Policy options to facilitate migration and the transfer of remittances include (i) establishing technical training institutions to help workers upgrade their skills, (ii) information campaigns on the migration process and opportunities available, (iii) setting up institutions to provide loans for potential migrants, (iv) reducing money transfer costs through formal channels, and (v) building awareness of the Pakistan Remittance Initiative.

Suggested Citation

  • Masood Sarwar Awan & Mohsin Javed & Muhammad Waqas, 2015. "Migration, Remittances, and Household Welfare: Evidence from Pakistan," Lahore Journal of Economics, Department of Economics, The Lahore School of Economics, vol. 20(1), pages 47-69, Jan-June.
    • Handle: RePEc:lje:journl:v:19:y:2015:i:1:p:47-69
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Fatima, Kiran & Qayyum, Abdul, 2016. "Remittances and Asset Accumulation of Household in Pakistan," MPRA Paper 72945, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    International migration; remittances; Pakistan.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • F24 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Remittances

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