Introducing Southasiasphere: The Himal guide to the region

This week we're pleased to launch Southasiasphere, our guide to developments from the region. We'll be monitoring the region to bring you fortnightly updates on political, legislative, economic, environmental and diplomatic events. Our aim is not to flood you with information, but provide clear analysis and outlook. On our radar are not just headline-grabbing news, but also stories ignored by corporate media both within and outside the region. The launch comes at a critical time of global pandemic, when many seek reliable information. So while this was initially planned as a members-only product, we're making Southasiasphere free to all for now. Do check out our membership plans and help support our work, and let us know what you think!

This week in Southasia:
Labour in the time of COVID-19

SAARC video conference on coronavirus outbreak

Myanmar's Parliament fails to curb the generals' power

Sri Lanka's parliamentary elections face uncertainty

CROSSBORDER

Remembering remittances

The fight against COVID-19 will have several economic and human consequences, not least for millions of migrant workers across Southasia. Several West Asian countries that host migrant workers have announced travel bans in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus. The economic impact of travel bans could be debilitating for countries in Southasia: according to the World Bank, remittances are approximately 28.5 percent of GDP in Nepal, 7.9 percent in Sri Lanka, 6.7 percent in Pakistan, 5.7 percent in Bangladesh, and 4 percent in Afghanistan. (India only relies on remittances for 2.8 percent of its GDP, while for Bhutan and the Maldives remittances make up roughly 2.3 percent and 0.1 percent of GDP respectively).