Shriya Sharma, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The landmark World Migration Report 2024, released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on May 10, 2024 and corroborated by data from the World Bank, highlighted that international remittances surged from an estimated USD 128 billion in 2000 to USD 831 billion in 2022. In 2022 alone, migrants globally sent an estimated USD 831 billion in international remittances — marking an increase from USD 791 billion in 2021 and USD 717 billion in 2020. As in previous years, low- and middle-income countries continued to receive substantial remittance inflows, which rose by 8 percent from USD 599 billion in 2021 to USD 647 billion in 2022.
Remittances refer to financial or in-kind transfers made by migrants directly to their families or communities in their countries of origin. The World Bank compiles global data on international remittances. However, these figures do not account for unrecorded flows through formal or informal channels, suggesting that the actual scale of global remittances is likely greater than the reported estimates.
India, Mexico, China, the Philippines and France were the top five recipient countries of remittances in descending order. India stood out significantly, receiving over USD 111 billion, surpassing the USD 100 billion mark for the first time.
While the substantial influx of funds may initially underscore the strength and resilience of India’s global diaspora, it also sheds light on a deeper, more concerning narrative surrounding the state of the Indian job market and the economy’s increasing reliance on these remittances.
Heavy dependence on remittances can foster a culture of dependency in the recipient country, potentially reducing labor force participation and slowing economic growth. The report further highlights that overreliance on remittances can render an economy more susceptible to abrupt fluctuations in remittance receipts or exchange rates.
This unprecedented influx, rather than solely serving as a source of national pride, raises significant concerns about the adequacy of domestic employment opportunities and the economic vulnerabilities associated with relying heavily on funds sent back home by those who have found better prospects overseas. It underscores a crucial question: Do these remittances conceal deeper issues within the Indian economy?
Global Perspectives: Personal Aspirations, Economic Realities
Asmita Gaur, a 25-year-old professional working at an autism center in the Netherlands, offers insight into the motivations behind seeking employment overseas. “Personal ambitions led me to the Netherlands,” she explains. “I send remittances back to India to support my family and repay educational loans.”
Gaur’s decision to work abroad stemmed from a lack of suitable job opportunities in India that aligned with her qualifications and aspirations. She raises a pertinent concern: “Heavy reliance on remittances can expose the economy to vulnerabilities. When highly skilled migrants leave, they contribute financially to India, but their expertise benefits their countries of residence, which is more beneficial for sustained economic growth.”
Nitima Mehra, 29, currently residing in Bangkok and employed at Agoda, an online travel agency, shares similar sentiments. “I was drawn to explore opportunities abroad,” she reveals. “The depreciating rupee and the potential for higher savings in foreign currencies make working abroad particularly attractive.”
Mehra also acknowledges that substantial remittance inflows are influenced by improved living standards and investment opportunities available outside India. “Certainly, dependence on remittances can pose economic risks,” she agrees, reflecting on her professional experiences in various countries.
Navigating Economic Fragility: Remittances’ Role and Risks
Deepanshu Arora, 31, currently employed at Dunnhumby in Toronto, Canada, emphasizes the allure of higher pay and improved quality of life as primary drivers for Indians seeking opportunities abroad. “The Indian market offers greater investment opportunities compared to Western markets,” he observes.
However, he warns about the risks associated with heavy reliance on remittances. “While remittances contribute to economic stability, maintaining this flow requires a stable macroeconomic environment with transparency and ease of investment in India,” he cautions.
Rishabh Tripathi, 29, who works remotely for a Swedish gaming company while residing in India, provides a unique perspective on this phenomenon. “India’s job market is highly competitive, leading to lower salaries, job insecurity and intense work pressures,” he explains. “This drives many to seek job opportunities outside India.”
He acknowledges that while remittances offer financial support, they also underscore a significant brain drain. “Dependence on external remittances is problematic. The skills that could contribute to nation-building are being utilized elsewhere,” he laments.
Global Migration: Remittances and Economic Dynamics
Ruchika Agarwal, 29, employed in the US fashion industry, and Komal, 28, working in Canada, highlight the limited growth opportunities and lower wages in India as primary reasons for seeking employment abroad.
“Cheaper goods and better opportunities outside India attract many to work abroad and send remittances back home,” notes Agarwal, while Komal adds, “Increased migration contributes to high remittance inflows, but it can also impact the Indian currency.”
Tripathi comments further on the situation, stating, “When your income is tied to a foreign company, financial stability can be uncertain due to limited knowledge of their market, political or geopolitical instability in their country. Your pay and raises would depend on unseen circumstances on the other side of the world.”
Economic Challenges
Dr. R.K. Arya, professor and director of the Centre for the Study of Skill Development and Industrial Growth, offers his insights into the issue. “In India, limited job opportunities are prompting young people to seek better prospects abroad,” he observes.
He emphasizes that while remittances can help manage the current account deficit and stabilize the rupee exchange rate, they do not provide a sustainable solution for economic growth.
“Relying on remittances can make the domestic economy vulnerable,” he cautions. “Using remittances to control inflation is not a viable strategy.”
Dr. Arya also points out that remittances involve additional costs, such as a 5% interest on funds flowing into non-resident external accounts. “For sustainable economic development, countries should not depend heavily on remittances,” he concludes.
Strategies for Sustainable Growth
The insights shared by these individuals underscore that high remittance figures not only signify national pride but also signal underlying economic concerns. India’s significant reliance on remittances underscores the urgent need for substantial reforms in the domestic job market. Prioritizing the creation of high-quality job opportunities, improving pay scales and enhancing job security are essential steps to mitigate brain drain and retain talent within the country.
Furthermore, investing in skill development and providing robust support systems for talented individuals can effectively harness their potential for national growth, rather than contributing to the prosperity of foreign economies. Promoting exports and addressing the current account deficit through sustainable strategies will help strengthen the economy, making it less susceptible to external economic fluctuations.
Conclusion: Building a Resilient Economic Future
India’s achievement of receiving over USD 111 billion in remittances in 2022 highlights both the financial contributions of Indians abroad and the gaps in the domestic job market. To address these challenges effectively, strategic economic planning, investment in skill development and the creation of high-quality job opportunities within the country are essential.
By fostering a conducive environment for economic growth, India can harness its human capital more effectively and reduce its reliance on remittances in the long term.