The determinants of remittances: Evidence from Moldova

This article explores the factors that account for the receipt of remittances by households in Moldova that have members who have migrated abroad, mostly temporarily. We approach our research question from the perspective of the recipient household and use it to interpret the econometric findings on the determinants of remittances. Our results show that a combination of household and migrant characteristics and some community-level variables are the key elements in explaining remittance behaviour. Drawing on these estimates, we argue that the results point towards altruism and investment as the two possible motives behind remittance flows to Moldova, which significantly affect the country's development prospects.