Remittance has become an important and inseparable part of todays world. With the rise of technology and globalization, people from all around the world are sending money to their friends, family, and acquaintances in countries other than their own. Remittance is the practice of sending money from one place to another. It can be done through a variety of formats including cash, wire transfers, checks, and other digital payment methods.
The primary reason people remit money is to provide financial support to family members outside of their home country. International remittance often involves members of the same extended family sending money back and forth to aid in family expenses, education, or medical care. This can mean helping relatives in countries with lower incomes make ends meet, or providing a temporary stream of income to family members in times of crisis.
In some countries, international remitting also plays a role in entrepreneurship. People living abroad may send funds to assist family members in starting a business or engaging in other productive activities. This can foster economic growth, employment, and increased financial security in countries with limited resources.
Remittance is important not just for those who send and receive their funds, but also for the economy of the country the money goes to. In countries with limited access to international development aid, remittances are often the primary source of funds to pay for basic necessities. According to the World Bank, an estimated US$ 433 billion was sent to low- and middle-income countries in 2018, which is higher than the total amount of foreign aid handed out during the same period.
In addition to facilitating economic growth, remittances also have a positive impact on other aspects of society. Studies show that providing families with access to remittances can lead to increased educational attainment among children, improved nutrition levels, and better access to healthcare.
The process of remitting money from one place to another has become much easier and faster over the years. The rise of the digital era means that transferring and receiving payments has become as simple as a few clicks. Online payment services and international banking organizations have made it easy for people around the world to send and receive money from one another, within minutes. Furthermore, the increasing presence of mobile banking is bringing remittance services and banking in general, to people in remote and rural areas who wouldnt otherwise have access to these services.
While there are a variety of services available to facilitate remittance, they can often come at high costs, which can be a significant burden on the sender. The average cost of remitting money is 7.45% of the amount sent, with the highest fees going to low-income countries. In some cases, particularly in markets with less competition, transactions can have as much as nineteen percent of the amount sent taken in fees. To combat this problem, organizations such as the World Bank, are working to reduce the costs of remitting money and increase access to remittance services.
Remittance has become an essential part of the global economy. It is a powerful tool for providing financial support, facilitating economic growth, and leading to positive outcomes for communities. As the world continues to move towards digitalization and increased globalization, the scope and reach of remittance services can only expand.