Author: Sigi C.R
Abstract: Digital financial services are playing an increasing role in how migrant workers save, make payments and send money to households in their countries of origin. For interstate migrant workers, digital remittance services can provide greater convenience, accessibility and transaction efficiency; however, effective adoption may depend on financial knowledge, trust in digital financial systems and perceptions of transaction security. Against this background, the present study proposes an empirical investigation of digital financial inclusion and remittance behaviour among interstate migrant workers in Kerala. The study focuses on the relationships among digital financial literacy, trust in digital financial services, digital remittance adoption and remittance efficiency, while examining the moderating role of perceived transaction security. The study adopts a quantitative cross-sectional research design and proposes the collection of primary data from interstate migrant workers who use or have access to digital financial services and remittance channels. The proposed conceptual model will be tested with structural equation modelling to investigate direct, mediating and moderating relationships in an effort to understand the underlying mechanisms of digital remittance behaviour. This study aims to move away from the conventional approach of viewing remittances as a mere by-product of migration toward the exploration of remittance management as a technology-mediated financial behaviour. It is expected to add to the emerging literature on migrant financial inclusion by explaining how digital financial capability, institutional trust and perceived security may determine the adoption and effectiveness of digital remittance services. The study may also provide practical implications for financial institutions, digital payment providers, migrant-support organisations and policymakers in developing secure, accessible and user-oriented digital financial services for migrant communities.
