The Impact of Migration and Remittances on Communities: Families and Children in Moldova

This report summarizes the results of a study in Moldova which was conducted to identify the impact of migration and remittances on communities, families and children.

The study was based on data collected from seven communities using focus group discussions, questionnaires and interviews. Conclusions include:

• Migration represents an alternative means for supporting families for many Moldovans;
• Migration contributes to household incomes, but does not play a significant role in improving local infrastructure;
• Migration involves many social costs;
• Gap between incomes of households that receive remittances and those that do not has been growing;
• Remittances are primarily used to improve current consumption and housing;
• Migration has psychological and emotional impact on family members;
• Increasing number of children go abroad to join their parents;
• Remittances offer opportunities for children’s higher education;
• Majority of families consider living with children more important than supporting them financially.

The report also includes an appendix with case studies of family members of migrants.