International Day of Family Remittances: How Remittances Support Families Across Borders

Updated 18 January 2026

Many international observances reflect shared values and global challenges. One international day that focuses on family support and migration is the International Day of Family Remittances, marked every year on June 16.

This international day recognizes the role of remittances in supporting families across borders. Millions of people depend on money sent by relatives working abroad to cover daily needs, education, healthcare, and housing. Remittances are not only financial transfers. They are expressions of responsibility, care, and long-term commitment.

What is it all about?

The International Day of Family Remittances was established in 2015 to highlight the contribution of migrant workers and the importance of remittances in sustaining families and communities worldwide. As global migration increases, more families rely on income earned abroad. Remittances help reduce poverty, improve access to education, and support local economies in many countries.

In the past few years, the number of international migrants has grown on an unprecedented scale. According to estimates, 250 million international migrants live outside their home country. Remittances – understand the money migrant workers send to their family members who remained back home – are crucial in supporting the lives of millions of individuals in developing countries. Believe it or not, 750 million people worldwide rely on remittances to either live a better life or simply survive.

Remittances do make a difference in the lives of many. Unfortunately, some beneficiaries, especially in rural communities, have a hard time accessing financial services as a whole and benefiting from remittances. The idea behind International Day of Family Remittances is to encourage public and private players to push for developments in the sector and ensure that these funds have a long-lasting positive impact on the populations they are meant for.

Did you know that:

1. A migrant worker usually sends between US$200 or US$300 several times a year;
2. According to official figures, remittances topped US$450 billion in 2015 (that is more than 3 times the overall development aid budget) and US$600 billion in 2016.
3. In many cases, the remittances received represent more than half the income of the recipients.
4. The top 3 most valuable corridors in the world are USA-Mexico (with more than US$22bn), UAE-India (with more than US$15bn) and USA-China (with more than US$13bn)

How to get the most out of your money transfers?

The number of transfer operators has never been as high and the options to remit money back home are multiple. There has been a clear tendency in the past few years towards a decrease in overall transaction costs – still, some operators charge very high transaction fees, especially to send money back to Africa– making it possible for migrant workers to remit on a regular basis.

To make the most out of your money transfers:

• Remember that you don’t have to stick to your bank to remit. Cheaper options do exist – in some instances going through one of the many transfer operators is preferable;
• Know that there are many transfer operators out there so make sure to shop around for the best and lowest rates before making your pick;
• Pay attention to hidden charges especially by identifying the exact exchange rate.

For more about International Day of Family Remittances visit the UN’s website.

Supporting Families Through Ethical Employment

Ethical employment practices help ensure that migrant workers can support their families with stability and dignity. Fair wages, timely payment, and transparent working arrangements allow workers, including domestic workers in Hong Kong, to send remittances consistently.

HelperChoice supports ethical hiring and informed households that respect both workers and the families who depend on them.