Remittances flows are increasing…
Mexico reported that remittances last November grew by 8.6% from a year ago. Despite falling remittances in 2008 and 2009, they remained flat for Jan-Nov of 2010 year-on-year.
Spain, a major source of remittances to some Latin American countries, reported that remittance outflows from the country rose by 3.5% in Q3-2010 year-on-year. Begun in Kenya, Safaricom is expanding M-pesa across Africa.
Turning migrants away…
Greece, a major corridor for illegal immigrants to Europe, announced a controversial plan to build a 12 km wall along its border with Turkey. Several states in the US announced efforts to deny citizenship rights to children born to undocumented immigrants. With Japan’s aging population, it does not see immigration as a way to sustain its labor force. A new Russian law implemented in 2011 will make it difficult for Central Asian migrants to find low-skilled jobs in the country. Haitians in the Dominican Republic are reporting of being rounded up and deported to Haiti.
Detailed news:
- Greece plans Turkey border fence to tackle migration (Jan. 4, 2011)
- Japan Keeps a High Wall for Foreign Labor (Jan. 3, 2011)
- Mexico November Remittances Up 8.6% On Year To $1.62 Billion (Jan. 3, 2011)
- Remittances Sent by Emigrants in Spain Rise 3.5% (Jan. 4, 2011)
- Safaricom expands M-pesa money service in Africa (Jan. 6, 2010)
- US: Several states want court ruling on birthright citizenship (Jan. 6, 2010)
- Russia: Central Asian Labor Migrants Facing Uncertain Year (Jan. 5, 2011)
- Dominican Republic back to deporting Haitians (Jan. 6, 2011)
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