Recession hits migration patterns

London, 08 Sept-(ANA)-The global recession has had a marked effect on international migration, the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute has said.

In a report commissioned by the BBC World Service, the Institute said fewer people are moving abroad for work but those who are already abroad are, for the most part, staying put.

And in general, money sent by migrants to their families in their home country, has declined.

Migrant workers are more at risk of losing their jobs than native workers as they often work in industries especially exposed to the recession - notably construction and hospitality.

Hence, for the most part, they are also sending less cash home to support their families.

In the case of Turkey, the decline in these remittances was 43% from 2008, the report says.

The impact of Moldova's 37% fall is especially severe, because remittances are equivalent to a third of the country's national income. (ANA)

FA/ANA/08 September 2009---