Impact of International Migration on Human Development: A South Asian Perspective

Abstract

This study is going to empirically investigate the impact of international migration on human development in South Asian perspective because human development is the essential part for sustainable development by enhancing capabilities. For empirical investigation of the impact of international migration on human development in South Asian region, human development index of UNDP is taken as dependent variable and international remittances as independent variable and also used as proxy for international migration. To check robustness of the findings, different control variables are used for comprehensive model and policy recommendations. Control variables are selected on the basis of their theoretical justification and cover almost all sectors. Findings of this study guide us that if we want to use our remittances for the development and expansion of capabilities, then we should focus on political stability and institutional strength of this region. Empirics of this study are relevant for administrators, policy makers, social partners, media, and the researchers because they mainly focus on how best to address capability- based human development. At the end, policy makers should move away from a narrow perspective toward a wider perspective by understanding the valid reasons that can help in policy design that is supportive and effective for the well-being of the people of South Asia, which holds half of the world’s poor.