Monetary remittances represent the mostvisible transnational activity of migrants and can beconsidered as a function of migrant’s ability of producingsavings from income and of remitting (supply side), and ofthe type of claims of family members, either left in thecountry of origin or residing abroad with the migrant(demand side). Hence, migrant’s remitting capacity isdirectly linked to the level of economic integration atdestination. However, what happens to remittances when thelabor market becomes uncertain and the earning potentialdecreases? Based on a recent survey, this paper explores theeffect of the economic crisis on income trends and on theflow of monetary remittances sent to the families left homeamong three surveyed groups in Turin, Moroccans, Peruviansand Romanians. Results show a widespread worsening of theaverage economic conditions since the outbreak of the crisisin 2008. The protracted economic instability seems to haveeffects on migrants’ ability to keep remittance flowsconstant over time, with differentiated outcomes accordingto the national groups. While Moroccans show a higherpropensity in receiving remittances, Peruvians are those whoresist more to a remittance drop over the last five years.Beyond economic determinants, observed patterns inremittance trends can also be explained by migrant householdcharacteristics in Italy and abroad and to unobservedvariables (distance) related to the country of origin.
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