International Day of Family Remittances

International Day of Family Remittances History

The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is a global observance highlighting the significant impact of financial contributions made by migrant workers to their families and communities. By sending portions of their earnings back home, these individuals play a vital role in driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving the overall well-being of millions around the world. The observance focuses on acknowledging their invaluable efforts, raising awareness about the benefits of remittances, and promoting policies to enhance their positive effects.

The United Nations General Assembly first proclaimed the IDFR on 16 June 2018 in response to the financial contributions and sacrifices made by 200 million migrants across the world, benefitting nearly 800 million family members. The United Kingdom is home to many migrants that consistently contribute to both the UK economy and their countries of origin through remittance payments. The International Day of Family Remittances holds particular relevance in the UK, as it seeks to foster empathy and understanding for the struggles migrant workers often face, while urging policymakers to reduce transaction costs and improve access to financial services for those sending money overseas.

On the International Day of Family Remittances, organisations and institutions across the UK partake in various activities and events to celebrate the contributions of migrant workers and encourage greater support for their financial inclusion. These may include educational seminars, policy discussions, and promotional content highlighting the importance of remittances in global development. Across the nation, people are encouraged to learn about the positive effects of remittances in advancing education, healthcare, and infrastructure in developing nations, and how UK-based migrant workers are making a difference. The observance takes place annually on the 16th of June, bringing together policymakers, migrant workers, and the general public to recognise the integral part remittances play in forging a better future for countless families around the world.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 International Day of Family Remittances in the UK

• The 2026 focus for the International Day of Family Remittances is a global call to action to support rural households and create sustainable employment for women and young people in the home countries of migrant workers.
• In the United Kingdom, migrants send approximately £9.3 billion annually to their families abroad, a record-breaking figure that highlights the immense scale of financial support leaving the country each year.
• India, Pakistan, and Nigeria remain the primary destination countries for funds sent from the UK, reflecting the deep economic ties between these nations and the British diaspora communities.
• While the United Nations has set a target through its Sustainable Development Goals to reduce transfer costs to 3%, the average cost of sending money from the UK currently sits around 6%, making fee transparency a major point of interest for British remitters.
• The rise of the gig economy and the UK’s exploration of a potential Digital Pound are expected to revolutionize how money is sent abroad, with experts predicting that blockchain and mobile wallets will soon make traditional cash pickups obsolete.
• Research highlighted by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford indicates that over 30% of non-EU migrants in the UK send money home regularly, providing a vital economic buffer that is three times larger than global foreign aid.
• Remittances are often described as the most effective form of wealth redistribution because approximately 75% of the money is spent directly on essential household needs such as healthcare, education, and nutrition.
• The Decade of the International Day of Family Remittances is currently being observed to accelerate the shift toward digital-first financial inclusion, ensuring that families in remote areas can access funds instantly through smart data and mobile money systems.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day of Family Remittances

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• Watch the IFAD's 2020 International Day of Family Remittances video if you missed it.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about family remittances in the United Kingdom. Here are our recommendations:
  1. The Migrant Business (2016) - This Al Jazeera documentary explores the political and economic realities behind the UK's strict migration policies, undocumented migrants, and remittance flows.
  2. Dollar Heroes: North Korea's Secret Slaves (2018) - This Al Jazeera documentary exposes North Korean workers who are sent abroad and forced to remit much of their earnings back to the regime, the UK is one of the countries investigated in this documentary.
  3. Everyday Borders (2015) by Orson Nava - This documentary examines the impact of UK's immigration policies on everyday life and the people who must enforce it, including the role of remittances.
• Read a book to learn more about family remittances in the United Kingdom. Here are our top picks:
  1. Migrant Remittances and Development in the Global Economy by Manuel Orozco – This book discusses the role of migrant remittances in the global economy, offering insights into the factors influencing family remittances and their effects on the UK economy.
  2. Remittance Flows in the United Kingdom by the World Bank – This report outlines the trends, patterns, and policy implications of remittance flows in the UK, addressing remittances sent to origin countries and the framework used to monitor and regulate these flows.