
For Pandemic Relief in South Asia, Look to the Diasporas
Millions of South Asians live outside their home countries. They could be key to region’s pandemic recovery.
Millions of South Asians live outside their home countries. They could be key to region’s pandemic recovery.
The cost of disasters far outweighs the resources available for recovery. Microfinance could be one way to fill the funding gap.
Governments and the private sector should work together to protect migrants’ welfare and channel remittances into productive investments.
Disaster-prone countries should get ahead of the curve and set aside funds for disasters – before they happen.
Microfinance provides post-disaster relief and support quickly, reduces the cost of recovery financing, reduces aid dependency, and builds long-term resilience.
The success of these financial instruments in India and Nigeria shows that patriotic ties can be a powerful incentive for diaspora members to invest in their home countries.
Migrant remittances, a lifeline for many developing countries in Asia and the Pacific, have grown dramatically with barely any support by the public sector or donor agencies. A recent ADB forum discussed how governments can make better use of this money to create domestic job opportunities.
Every year, millions of people cross borders to work abroad. People migrate for various reasons, but for the majority of migrant workers, they are compelled by poverty and lack of job opportunities in their home countries.