Mining remittance data : practical considerations on survey design and administration

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. However, the volume of remittances transfers and awareness of the importance of remittances to poverty reduction have grown over the last decade and donors and organizations specializing in migration-related issues have increasingly supported efforts to improve remittances-related information. This paper provides an overview of remittances survey methods and considerations to provide guidance for donor agencies and policy makers interested in supporting or evaluating remittances related surveys. It is divided into five sections covering the following issues: (1) objectives of donor agencies; (2) the context for remittances surveys; (3) remittances survey designs; (4) evaluating policy options and overcoming challenges; and (5) conclusions. (Author abstract, modified)