Digitising milk collection centres to ensure faster payments for women farmers
₹61.5 million transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts through MAP
CDFI Migrant Remittance Study
Research at a Glance
CDFI conducted a comprehensive study to understand the remittance behaviour of migrant workers in India, examining both ends of the transaction, the senders and the recipients. The objective was to capture insights into how migrants transfer money, their access to financial services, and the adoption of digital payment methods.The study surveyed over 4,000 migrant workers and their families across 11 states, analysing their migration patterns, income levels, and use of digital and non-digital remittance channels.
4,000
MN+
+ participants surveyed across 11 Indian states.
16
MN+
% of non-saving migrants used formal banking channels for remittance.
Understanding the financial habits and remittance behaviour of India’s migrant workforce.
The research explored four major areas: migration trends, accessibility of financial and payment services, levels of financial and mobile inclusion, and the choice between digital and non-digital remittance modes.
The findings revealed that migrants with bank accounts tend to save a portion of their earnings, while those without savings accounts largely depend on informal remittance methods. Only about 16% of migrants who did not save in banks used formal banking channels to send money.
The study also highlighted the limited financial inclusion of migrant families and the gap in digital payment adoption between source and destination regions. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the CDFI migrant study gained national attention for recognising the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers well before the crisis underscored their challenges.
Who can benefit from this study?
Government Agencies and Policymakers
Can use the insights to design inclusive financial systems and digital remittance solutions tailored to migrant needs.
Banks and Payment Service Providers
Can apply the findings to improve outreach, develop affordable remittance products, and bridge the digital access gap among migrant populations.
