Housemaid Remittances in Rural Sri Lanka: Development Policy Issues

Abstract

The contribution of migrant workers as a key source in increasing the foreign exchange reserves of Sri Lanka has become a key topic in many a forum. Several studies have also been done to evaluate these remittances as a macro level tool for development. However , little attention has been paid to the income generating migrant households. These households while gaining income from the migrants, have also borne the brunt of the initial risks and costs. This study is designed to assist in building a policy framework to enable the migrants to achieve sustainable improvements to living standards by maximizing the use of the remittances received and minimizing the costs incurred. In so doing it will identify the key issues which affect remittance flows to households and their expenditure decisions and recommend appropriate corrective measures.