Estimating a Remittance Function for Sudanese Emigrants

Abstract

An ordinary least squares exercise is conducted to obtain an estimate of a log remittances' function, employing the micro- level data obtained from the Migration and Labor Force Survey undertaken by the Ministry of Labor in 1996. The sample size comprises a total of 357 out-migrants and 151 returnees. Results show that education increases the percentage of remittances, the effect being highest for higher levels of education. Married emigrants are found to remit more than unmarried ones, but the effect is insignificant. Remittances appear to be affected by the length of stay away from Sudan. Emigrants who departed before the 1980’s have lower propensity to remit than those who left during the 1990’s. We also found that country of destination significantly affects the percentage of remittances by an emigrant, where workers in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States remit more compared to those residing in other countries. Key words: Remittances, Emigrants, Country of Destination