Decline in remittances catastrophic for humanitarian and economic situation in Yemen

The remittances arriving into Yemen from expatriates have sharply declined, causing catastrophic consequences on the economy, commercial activity, the prices of goods, banking, humanitarian and living situations. This is due to the economic crisis induced by the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdowns, as well as the Saudi authorities’ restrictive policies against Yemeni citizens in Saudi Arabia, where 60% of Yemeni expatriates live. Of the remaining expatriates, 25% live in other Gulf countries and 15% in other countries.

Remittances are a vital source of income for thousands of Yemeni families and provide effective social protection systems. However, the sharp decline in remittances widens the poverty gap, affecting the most vulnerable and poor people in a country facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.