Migration Patterns and Remittance Transfer in Nepal: A Case Study of Sainik Basti in Western Nepal

International MigrationVolume 43, Issue 5 p. 59-98 Migration Patterns and Remittance Transfer in Nepal: A Case Study of Sainik Basti in Western Nepal Susan Thieme, Susan Thieme Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, Switzerland.Search for more papers by this authorSimone Wyss, Simone Wyss Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, Switzerland.Search for more papers by this author Susan Thieme, Susan Thieme Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, Switzerland.Search for more papers by this authorSimone Wyss, Simone Wyss Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, Switzerland.Search for more papers by this author First published: 15 November 2005 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2435.2005.00342.xCitations: 85AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL ABSTRACT International labour migration is a main livelihood strategy for many people in Nepal. This article analyses the migration process from the perspective of migrants and their non-migrating household members, exploring the institutional regulations that structure the organization of migration and the cash flows involved. The results are based on a case study conducted in Sainik Basti, Western Nepal, in 2002. The article shows that for different destinations there are specific ways of organizing migration. These country specific ways of organizing migration demand specific assets from prospective migrants and their household members and, therefore, influence their choice of destination. Savings are remitted back home mainly by carrying them personally or by using the hundi system. In spite of the risks and difficulties involved, international labour migration often contributes to sustainable livelihoods. The main outcomes of migration are increased financial capital, education of the children, migration-specific knowledge, and increased social capital. This enlarged asset endowment lowers both investment costs and risks involved in migration, and thereby increases its potential net return. Each act of migration, therefore, facilitates and stimulates subsequent migration.1 Citing Literature Volume43, Issue5December 2005Pages 59-98 RelatedInformation