Migrant Remittances Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1

In this spring issue, we continue to cover the effects of the global economic recession on remittance flows. The newsletter reports on the declining rates in most regions, but it also considers that remittance flows show a counter-cyclical character and that figures on money transfers are affected by changes in measurement techniques and adjusted official figures, such as in the case of Mexico. It also spotlights recent financial and commercial partnerships on mobile remittance products and payment services that involve MTOs and banks. Moreover, new international solidarity as well as market and commercial initiatives are increasingly addressing the role of diaspora groups in transnational development. Our guest notes highlight the importance of transparency and accurate data and information in the global remittance industry. The first offers observations and guidelines for survey data collection on remittances, and suggests how the data informs migration research and development policymaking. The second highlights emerging trends directed at establishing standards and codes of conduct to increase transparency on the cost of sending money.