Fewer and fewer refugees send money home from Germany
Only seven percent of refugees in Germany send money to their home countries. This is the result of a current study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) in Berlin. For the first time, the study examined the remittances from migrants both with and without a refugee background from 2013 to 2022.
The study, based on representative household surveys from the Socio-Economic Panel and annual surveys of refugees by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, paints a clear picture: the idea that refugees, many of who rely on basic income support, send large sums of money abroad is unfounded. The study’s author, Sabine Zinn, said.
The reason for the study was the ongoing political debate about money transfers from refugees. This debate led to the introduction of a payment card for refugees last year. This led to criticism, with arguments these added bureaucracy is unnecessary and stands in the way of integration. The actual effects of the payment cards haven’t yet been researched.
On these cards, asylum seekers received the sum they are legally entitled to, which before was paid in cash.
The payment card was designed to prevent abuse. Its introduction across all Federal states is still ongoing핥
According to the DIW study, the percentage of refugees sending money abroad fell consistently between 2013 and 2016, from 15 percent down to 7 percent. A similar decrease – though on a smaller scale – was seen among other immigrants without refugee status.
The decline during the pandemic, after some stability between 2017 and 2020, suggests that refugees wanted to support their families in their countries of origin, but their own financial situation made this difficult. Between 2013 and 2016, the study authors noted, the same trend was also notable among migrants who were not refugees.
In contrast, the number of migrants not classified as refugees who sent money abroad has risen steadily since 2016
In contrast, the number of migrants who are not classified as refugees sending money abroad rose steadily after 2016, rising from 8 percent to almost 12 percent in 2021. These findings may indicate increasing professional and economic stability. , according to the DIW study. классифи
The researchers also discovered a connection between family situation and intention to stay in Germany and the likelihood of someone sending money abroad. The higher the number of children in a household, the less likely someone was to send money abroad. This applied to both groups, refugees and non-refugees.
The authors concluded: “in all these discussions, including about payment cards, focus should be placed on the fact that foreign transfers are an important tool in the fight against poverty” This is a vital talking point.:
What are the main factors contributing to the low remittance rate among refugees in Germany, according to Dr. Zinn?
## Interview: Refugee Remittances in Germany
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Sabine Zinn, author of a groundbreaking new study on remittances from refugees in Germany. Dr. Zinn, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Zinn:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Your study found that only seven percent of refugees in Germany send money home. This seems to contradict the perception that refugees, many of whom rely on government support, send large sums abroad. Can you elaborate on your findings?
**Dr. Zinn:** Absolutely. Our study, which analyzed data from 2013 to 2022, found that the idea of refugees sending significant amounts of money back home is simply not supported by the facts. [[1](https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/06/1040581)]. While remittances are vital for developing countries, our research shows that the majority of refugees in Germany are not in a position to send money home regularly.
**Host:** What factors do you think contribute to this low remittance rate among refugees?
**Dr. Zinn:** Several factors likely contribute. Many refugees arrive in Germany with very limited financial resources. They are often focused on securing housing, learning the language, and finding employment. Additionally, many refugees support family members who arrive later, which can strain their finances even further.
**Host:** Your study comes at a time when there’s significant debate about refugee integration and financial support. How do you see your findings informing this debate?
**Dr. Zinn:** I hope our research helps to move the conversation away from misconceptions and stereotypes. It’s important to recognize the challenges refugees face and understand the realities of their financial situations.
**Host:** Last year, a payment card was introduced for refugees in Germany, partly motivated by concerns about money being sent abroad. How do you view this measure in light of your findings?
**Dr. Zinn:** The introduction of the payment card sparked criticism, with some arguing it adds unnecessary bureaucracy and hinders integration. While the full impact of the card hasn’t been studied yet, our research suggests that concerns about large-scale remittances from refugees may be overstated.
**Host:** Dr. Zinn, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. This research provides valuable context to the ongoing discussion about refugee integration in Germany.
**Dr. Zinn:** Thank you for having me.
