Statistics show that the number of foreign-born people residing in wealthy countries has tripled since 1960, and the emigration of highly-skilled people from developing countries has accelerated. The impact of the brain drain on a source country’s welfare and development can be either beneficial or harmful. We asked the opinion of several migration experts about the reasons for mass migration, its impact, and the solutions.
What are the main reasons for the brain drain and mass migration in developing countries?
“The main reason for mass migration and the brain drain is poverty and the underdevelopment of the country of origin. Economic poverty means that highly skilled people are not paid well. The developing country does not have all the technological resources to make the work of experts possible. These countries suffer from a lack of equipment necessary for the work of experts. Highly qualified people prefer to emigrate to countries that offer the best working conditions in terms of equipment. To this must be added the poor salary conditions. The other causes of migration are the consequences of the economic crisis.”
“Sub-standard living conditions, unemployment, under-utilization of skilled and semi-skilled personnel, lack of adequate working conditions, low wages, discrimination in recruitment and promotion, social unrest, political instability, conflicts and wars, lack of research facilities, including support staff, meagreness of research funds, lack of professional equipment and tools, lack of freedom and autonomy, deteriorating standards of educational system, just to name a few, are some of the reasons that have led to the exodus of the intellectuals from developing countries to developed countries in search of greener pastures. I believe the root cause is generally poor leadership and the misappropriation of public funds.”
What are the positive and negative aspects of migration and brain drain?
“For developing countries, the positive aspects of migration and brain drain include improved quality of life through better employment opportunities which also allows migrants to remit part of their earnings to their countries of origin. Additionally, they are able to further develop their skills, therefore improving their expertise and, where applicable, their children gain access to better education opportunities. The first of many negative aspects is that families become separated in this process and also developing countries lose skilled labor which is essential for their development and, as a result of the working-age population moving away, the size of the workforce in developing countries is reduced. When it comes to developed countries, this phenomenon helps to reduce gaps in the labor market as potential employees tend to offer more flexibility, and the populations in the host country gain the opportunity to learn about other cultures and religions. However, in terms of the negative impacts, people associated with migration and brain drain are sometimes affected by racism, discrimination and a lack of opportunities. The result of this is an increased demand for social and housing benefits which may create some challenges for the host communities.”
“The positive aspects include better salaries for those who have migrated to other countries and found a job there. Another positive impact is the workforce provided to the countries or areas that have received the migrants. Talking about negative consequences, there could be overpopulation where people have migrated and caused competition for resources and thus survival.”
What can the international community do to counteract mass-migration in developing countries?
“The fight against mass migration requires the development of the countries of origin. The international community should set up funds to support economic initiatives in order to promote the entrepreneurship of potential migrants. The international community should support training regarding financial education. A large number of migrants are not sufficiently trained about the creation of wealth from the small means available in a hostile environment. Indeed, in the same context, foreigners do business that thrives while those from the native population fail. The problem is not the hostility of the business climate but the inadequacy of the financial and entrepreneurial culture. Programs must be put in place to support initiatives in the promising sector such as agriculture.”
“International communities could establish recorded database of skilled intellectuals and specialists at their time of departure from developing countries while assisting in the reformation of the national education system and the infrastructure of schools, colleges, and universities in these developing countries. Advanced technological support could be the answer, where records of everything could be automatically documented making every action accountable for. The establishment of research cells and the possibility of distance learning would reduce the movement of the young to developed countries (only technology can do this). Their genuine support for pure democracy, ensuring the respect of human rights, will give hope to the younger population who have lost confidence in their leaders, most of whom are dictators.”
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