Transnational economic practices in contemporary Punjab an analysis of drivers and dividends of international out migration

Abstract

Internationalout-migrationofferssignificanteconomicandsocialbenefitsto migrants, their families, and both the countries of origin and destination. This study comprehends the trends and patterns of international out- migration from Punjab. The study also delves into the comprehensive understanding of migration finance, highlighting its significance at various stages of the migration process to ensure successful outcomes. It provides an evaluation of remittance flows and their contribution to the migrant household and economy. Higher rates of emigration were observed among households headed by females, households belonging to Sikh religion, general caste, and having medium-sized landholdings. The decision to migrate is primarily influenced by pull factors (education, employment, marriage, better living condition etc.) rather than push factors (social evils, loss in business, family pressure etc.). Overseas migration is an expensive endeavour, and the ability to afford such a move is an essential element in the decision-making process. The selection of destination countries also has a significant impact on the migration related expenses. It was observed that the migrants who preferred to migrate to countries in North America had to bear higher migration expenses as compared to those migrating to countries in Asia. Migration costs differ across destinations due to variables such as geographical distance, economic conditions, and immigration rules. Field data also indicate that about 44 percent of the total emigrants sent money back to Punjab during the five years preceding the survey. Male migrants, migrants with permanent settlement abroad and those who were employed at the time of survey were more likely to send remittances to their homes in Punjab. Another unexplored aspect of the economic implications of international out-migration is reverse remittances, which this study also addresses.