From Family to the Community: Building a Better Tomorrow through Remittances

Jun, who recently turned 31 this year, is one of the many migrant workers in the Republic of Korea (ROK) who have ignited hope for their families and communities.  

Jun started his journey in ROK under the Employment Permit System seven years ago, aiming to enhance his family's standard of living. Every time he faces challenges, Jun remains focused on his objective—to provide his loved ones in the Philippines with better lives. 

Before Jun found work abroad, his family led a simple life in the Philippines. All seven family members lived in a single-bedroom home and only had access to basic meals. Their daily lives, however, have significantly improved since Jun came to ROK, his remittances enabling them to make ends meet.  

"My siblings are now getting a better education so that they can fulfil their dreams, and my family recently rebuilt their home. In addition to setting up a rice farm for family members, I also bought my parents a car," he said. "I'm pleased with the progress. Even though the remittances aren't always that large, they nevertheless affect day-to-day living in my family." 

Jun's remittances have impacted his community as well. "I promised to myself that I would support my community alongside my family after I found a job in ROK. Community members are among the most important people in our lives," he said.  

Committed to improving his neighbourhood, he has frequently contributed to the funding of important events. In addition, he has arranged social gatherings, helped the community's elderly people, gave presents to schoolchildren and supported those impacted by disasters. 

"Remittances have influenced the community in ways beyond just its visible growth. It motivated people to show kindness to one another. The fact that we don’t need to be rich to help the people in need is the precious lesson that remittances brought to the community,” Jun concluded.

Looking ahead, Jun has ambitious plans for everything, from his family to the community. He wants to ensure that his siblings and local children have the chance to complete their education.  

"In addition to providing for people's basic needs, I want to create stepping stones for them—like free language classes—that will enable them to acquire skills that will help them find a job," he added. “The remittances have made concrete improvements in the lives of my family and community. Without remittances, it would have been difficult to make many of these changes. It is a lifesaver for everyone.” 

Note 

International remittances are financial or in-kind transfers made by migrants directly to families or communities in their countries of origin. In 2022, the Philippines will be one of the top 5 remittance recipient countries. Based on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10.C, countries pledged to lower the transaction costs of migrant remittances to less than 3 per cent. Even though sending remittances has greatly decreased over the past few years in many areas, the cost is still above the SDG-10 target. South Asia had the lowest average expenses in 2022 (4.6 per cent), followed by East Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and East Asia and the Pacific (both around 5.8 per cent). For more details on the effects that migration and remittances have had on people's lives, check out the World Migration Report 2024. 

This story was written by Hayoung PARK, Communication Assistant, IOM Republic of Korea, phayoung@iom.int