Mining Remittances Data: Practical Considerations on Survey Design and Administration

This briefing offers practical guidelines and observations about survey data collection on remittances and how this data informs thinking on migration and development policymaking. Obtaining accurate data on the volume of migrant remittances flows is notoriously difficult, as many remittances transfers still occur informally and even when funds are transferred through official channels such as bank accounts, the internet, paid cards or phones the mechanisms for measuring these flows are weak. Surveys play an essential role in obtaining and improving information on remittances for private and public sector use. There are 4 primary types of surveys that can be implemented: extended and non-extended head of household surveys and market-based and point-of-presence surveys. The first two of these, in the household survey category, typically make use of statistically significant representative samples and can provide a range of data, including the level of national remittances flows, if done correctly. The second category of individual surveys is used to obtain more in-depth data on market issues, determinants and methods of sending, and other types of information, though these are not representative samples. Reasons for using each are explored and examples and guidelines provided.