Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Global remittances—money transfers sent by migrants to their home countries—increased by 94% from 2016 to 2025, far surpassing the 28% growth in the migrant population. This suggests migrants are sending larger amounts home on average, according to a report presented by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) at the United Nations Headquarters.
The report estimates about 220 million migrants and diaspora members support around 1.1 billion relatives worldwide. Transfers typically range from $300 to $400 each and are sent nine to ten times per year.
Regionally, Latin America and the Caribbean recorded the fastest growth in remittances at 132%, totaling $168.6 billion in 2025. Asia and the Pacific remain the largest recipient region, receiving $384.9 billion, or 53% of global remittances. Africa experienced an 86% increase, with $124.2 billion sent in 2025. Egypt surpassed Nigeria as Africa's largest recipient.
About three-quarters of remittance funds are used for basic needs such as food, shelter, and utilities, while the remaining quarter amounts to over $180 billion annually.
Economic vulnerability was highlighted, especially in Central America, where remittances accounted for 30% of Honduras’s GDP, 28% in El Salvador, and 27% in Nicaragua in 2025. The report warns that policies such as deportations or employment restrictions can reduce both the number of senders and the amounts sent, though remittance flows have not shown a significant decline despite stricter migration policies in some countries.