Modest expectations: Causes and effects of migration on migrant households in source countries

This research, mainly looking at Albania and Moldova, investigates the reasons why people migrate internationally and send remittances. It also analyses the consequences of internal migration on the wellbeing of migrants and their family and how it affects the relationship between family members. It shows that migrant households earn higher incomes after migration, but are worse off in many aspects, e.g. housing. This is because they live in poor, semi-legal conditions and because migration is an expensive investment. Consequently, family solidarity remains high after migration, especially financial and good transfers.