Saudi Expats Transfer Nearly $4bn In Jan, Bolstering Developing Economies

RIYADH: Expatriate remittances from Saudi Arabia rose to SR13.74 billion ($3.66 billion) in January, marking a 32 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to recent data.

Figures from the Saudi Central Bank, or SAMA, also show that remittances sent abroad by Saudi nationals reached SR6.1 billion. This reflects an 11.33 percent increase during the same period.

This surge was largely driven by the expansion of Vision 2030 projects, which have fueled economic growth and increased demand for skilled and unskilled foreign labor.

Economic stability, competitive transfer fees, and advancements in fintech services have further facilitated the growth of remittance flows.

Countries with large expatriate communities in the Kingdom— such as Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, as well as Egypt and the Philippines— remain the primary beneficiaries of these money transfers.

Remittances from wealthier nations play a pivotal role in bolstering the economies of developing countries, serving as a substantial source of income and contributing significantly to their gross domestic product.

In 2022, remittances constituted 3.3 percent of India’s GDP and 4.7 percent of Bangladesh’s GDP, according to a World Bank blog.

These financial inflows often surpass foreign direct investment and official development assistance, underscoring their critical importance. ​

Beyond macroeconomic contributions, remittances have profound impacts on individual households.

Studies have demonstrated that remittances lead to notable reductions in child malnutrition, promoting healthier and stronger growth, according to a report by UNICEF.

Moreover, these funds enable families to access healthcare services, afford medications, and invest in better sanitation, contributing to lower child mortality rates.​

Education also benefits markedly from remittance inflows. Households receiving remittances are more likely to keep their children in school longer, with data indicating increased enrollment across various educational levels.

Research from Ghana shows that families with remittance income enroll their children in both primary and secondary education at higher rates compared to those without such income. ​

The impact of remittances is further amplified by lower transfer fees, with reduced costs enhancing the financial support available for essential needs like nutrition, healthcare, and education.

Saudi Arabia offers some of the lowest remittance transfer fees worldwide, with services like stc pay and Tahweel Al Rajhi providing competitive exchange rates and minimal transaction costs.