Motivation of Remittance Senders: Evidence from Eritrean Immigrants in Germany

Abstract

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.