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IFAD Advises governments to declare remittance service providers essential business

By Foster Obi

United Nations’ International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)  says  with the significant decline in money sent home by migrants due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become imperative for governments across the world to declare remittance service providers essential businesses in times of crisis.

“Remittances are a lifeline for poor families in low and middle income countries. Governments should take measures and do everything possible to facilitate the flow of funds during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD, on the occasion of the International Day of Family Remittances.

A statement by the agency said the economic sectors that employ migrant workers, such as tourism, hospitality and agribusiness, are being hit the hardest by the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in many migrants becoming underemployed or unemployed, adding,  “As a result, remittance flows are projected to make their sharpest decline in history, falling by 20 per cent in 2020.”