Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine: the relationship between migrant workers and their regions of origin, as seen from the frequency and amount of remittances sent by international migrant workers to their countries of origin; the association between the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of international migrant workers and remittances sent to their regions of origin; the use of remittances sent to their regions of origin, both for investment and non-investment purposes; and the model of remittances sent by international migrant workers based on the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of migrants. The study was conducted in several locations with a large number of international migrant workers, namely Buleleng, Gianyar, and Klungkung Regencies, Bali Province, Indonesia. Sampling was conducted using purposive sampling of individuals who met the criteria for International Migrant Workers (PMI) from Bali working abroad, and whose households were located within the study locations. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire. The data collected included the following variables: demographic and socioeconomic characteristics; relationship with their regions of origin; remittances; use of remittances in their regions of origin; and the proportion of remittances sent to their regions of origin to their income. Research findings indicate that remittances sent by migrant workers to their countries of origin are used by their families in their home regions for various purposes. The primary use of remittances by families in their home countries is for non-investment purposes, specifically consumption, education costs, and social funds. Only a small percentage responded that their primary use of remittances in their home countries is for investment, including bank savings, bank deposits, stocks, and business capital. The variables that significantly influence the frequency of remittances sent to their home countries are age, gender, marital status, education level, household status, and length of stay in the destination country. The variables that significantly influence the proportion of remittances sent to their home countries are gender, marital status, education level, household status, length of stay, income in the destination country, and expenditures in the destination country. Based on the research findings, recommendations are made regarding the need for an evaluation of international migrant worker policies to select workers with secondary and tertiary education qualifications. Efforts are needed to improve the quality of human resources for workers sent through professional training programs tailored to the needs of the labor market in the destination country.