Social impact of migration Italy on families left behind in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The contribution of remittances earned by international labour migrants to the Gross National Income has become significant in Sri Lanka. In the 1970s, destination countries for the majority of Sri Lankans were the Gulf Region countries. Since the 1990s, the situation has changed due to the increasing demand for labour from developed countries. Consequently, many Sri Lankans prefer to migrate to Newly Industrialized Economies (NIEs) and European countries. Italy has become one of the popular destinations for Sri Lankan migrant workers. During the period 2010-2014, migration to Italy has increased remarkably. With this rapid increase, the remittances sent by migrants have helped not only to improve the country's economic growth, but also to improve their family economy. Although the economic condition of families has improved due to migration, different sub cultures have emerged in the Sri Lankan society creating several social problems among migrant families.