Impacts of Covid-19 on Migration Dynamics and Remittances in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Publication Date: 14/11/2021
Author(s): LEO Abejide, Alaba Simpson.
Volume/Issue: Volume 4 , Issue 4 (2021)
Abstract:
The paper x-rays the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on migration dynamics by analyzing the types and trends dynamics of migrants’ movement and demographic dynamics of migration as related to the inflow of remittances (both cash and in-kind) to SSA countries prior to the pandemic. Also discusses the constraints of transferring cash remittances and subsequent decline posed by the COVID-19 outbreak during and beyond the pandemics. Secondary evidences from Somali and Nigeria were analyzed on the constraints of remitting cash, while in-kind remittance from the Republic of Chad was evaluated. The importance of remittances to the home communities was established. Measures to safeguard SSA migrants’ mobility and their remittances, citing some selected countries of destination were exploited. The paper concludes that COVID-19 impacts on migration should be opportunities for policymakers (both home and destination countries) to reset their efforts towards protecting migrants and their future activities.
Keywords:
Impacts, COVID-19, Remittances, Migration Dynamics, Migrants, Sub-Saharan Africa.
