Motivation of Remittance Senders: Evidence from Eritrean Immigrants in Germany

Despite the fact that household income in Eritrea is augmented by workers remit-
tances from abroad, no empirical study has been done on the motives for remittances.
This paper explores the motives of Eritrean immigrants in Germany for sending remit-
tances using household survey data. Evidence presented here largely supports the al-
truistic remittance behavior. A significant proportion of remittances are sent to help
close family members; however, there is also some empirical evidence regarding the
self-interest motive for remittances.