International migrant remittances grew by 94 per cent between 2016 and 2025, far outpacing the 28 per cent increase in the global migrant population during the same period, according to a report released by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This gap demonstrates that the surge in financial flows is driven by individuals sending larger sums home rather than a simple rise in the number of people migrating.
Global Remittance Scale and Family Impact
According to IFAD data, approximately 220 million migrants and diaspora members support an estimated 1.1 billion relatives worldwide. Pedro de Vasconcellos, who manages IFAD’s Financing Facility for Remittances, told reporters at UN Headquarters that these transfers are typically worth $300 to $400 each and are sent nine or 10 times a year.
IFAD reports that total remittances sent last year exceeded four times global official development assistance and surpassed foreign direct investment to low- and middle-income countries. Around three-quarters of these funds go toward immediate necessities like food, shelter, and utilities. The remaining quarter—exceeding $180 billion annually—is allocated to healthcare, education, housing, savings, and business investments.
Did you know? Approximately $233 billion—roughly one dollar in every three sent home—reached rural economies in 2025, where access to formal jobs, financial services, and public infrastructure is often most limited, according to IFAD.
Regional Distribution and Economic Exposure
Asia and the Pacific remained the largest recipient region overall in 2025, capturing $384.9 billion, which accounts for 53 per cent of the global total. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Caribbean recorded the fastest remittance growth of any region, surging 132 per cent to reach $168.6 billion.
https://x.com/IFAD/status/2099504291346080159
Africa received $124.2 billion in 2025, marking an 86 per cent increase over the decade. Within the continent, Egypt overtook Nigeria as the largest recipient. Central America remains heavily exposed to these cash injections, with remittances equivalent to 30 per cent of GDP in Honduras, 28 per cent in El Salvador, and 27 per cent in Nicaragua in 2025.
Vulnerability remains a central concern as families rely heavily on conditions in destination countries like the United States, which remains the dominant source of remittances for Latin America and the Caribbean. IFAD warns that deportations, employment restrictions, or weaker labor demand can diminish both the number of senders and their capacity to send money. However, Mr. de Vasconcellos noted that figures do not currently show a broad decline, as family needs keep flows resilient during crises.
Digital Transfers and Continuing Costs
More than half of remittances now begin digitally, though many still require final cash collection. IFAD figures show that only 35 per cent of services measured in 2025 were fully digital from sender to recipient. Digital transfers remain cheaper, costing an average of around 4.6 per cent compared with 7.3 per cent for non-digital services.
“Technologies really can help. But it’s not enough,” Mr. de Vasconcellos said, emphasizing that families also require reliable, affordable ways to receive and utilize funds. IFAD advocates for cheaper, more transparent transfers, expanded financial access, and greater opportunities for families to save and invest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did global remittances grow between 2016 and 2025?
Remittances grew by 94 per cent over the decade, outpacing the 28 per cent increase in the migrant population, according to IFAD.
Which region received the most remittances in 2025?
Asia and the Pacific was the largest recipient region, taking in $384.9 billion, or 53 per cent of the global total.
What are remittances mostly used for?
Around three-quarters of remittances support immediate needs like food, shelter, and utilities, while the remaining quarter goes toward healthcare, education, housing, and investments.
Explore our latest coverage on global economic trends or subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates.
Related reading