The phenomenon of brain drain has gained renewed focus in developing countries post-Covid-19 as many of the skilled labour force in developing countries resorted to seek their fortune in greener pastures in a backdrop of economic complications, resulting from disruptions from Covid-19 and an ominous prediction of an ensuing global economic recession.
Brain drain refers to the emigration or outflow of highly skilled and educated individuals (such as scientists, engineers, doctors, and academics) from their home country to other countries in search of better employment opportunities, higher salaries, better working conditions, or greater academic and research prospects.
Causes
The term “brain drain” was first used in the 1960s to describe the loss of skilled personnel from developing countries to more developed nations. Brain drain can have negative effects on the source country, as it may lead to a shortage of skilled labour and human capital, hinder economic growth, and exacerbate social and political problems. However, it can also have positive effects on the destination country, as it can help fill skill shortages, drive innovation and research, and contribute to economic growth.
Brain drain is caused by a variety of factors, economic factors being the primary drivers in addition to social and political factors. In many cases, skilled professionals are attracted to countries with higher salaries, better job opportunities, and a more favourable economic climate.
Social factors, such as quality of life, are also important drivers of brain drain. Countries with better living standards, such as access to healthcare and education, may attract skilled professionals who are seeking a higher quality of life. Social factors such as discrimination or lack of social mobility in a person’s home country may motivate them to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Political instability, lack of government support for education and research, and conflicts can also be drivers of brain drain. For example, those who are politically targeted, or who lack freedom of speech, may seek asylum in other countries. Additionally, lack of funding for research and education can make it difficult for skilled professionals to stay in their home country.
Advancements in technology and the increasing globalisation of the world have also facilitated the migration of skilled professionals, creating a more global job market. This has resulted in greater competition for talent and made it easier for skilled professionals to migrate to other countries.
Countries with better education systems may attract skilled professionals who are seeking better opportunities for personal and professional growth. Similarly, countries with a lack of educational opportunities may suffer from brain drain as their skilled professionals seek out higher quality education abroad.
It is important to note that the causes of brain drain are often interrelated, and different factors can have different levels of influence depending on the individual circumstances of the country or region. Addressing the root causes of brain drain is important for mitigating its negative impacts and retaining talent in source countries.
Brain drain can be mitigated through policy interventions and solutions that address the underlying causes of migration and encourage the return of skilled professionals to their home countries.
Investing in education and research can help to create a more skilled workforce in the source country, reducing the need for migration. This includes providing funding for universities, research institutions, and training programs to improve the quality of education and research opportunities.
Providing competitive salaries, benefits, and working conditions can encourage skilled professionals to stay in their home country or return after working abroad. Governments and employers can also offer incentives, such as tax breaks, housing, and training opportunities, to retain skilled professionals.
Skilled professionals
Offering opportunities for career advancement and professional development can help retain skilled professionals and encourage the return of migrants. This includes providing training and mentorship programs, as well as opportunities for networking and collaboration with other professionals.
Encouraging engagement with diaspora networks can help to build bridges between the source and destination countries, promote knowledge transfer, and facilitate investment and economic development.
Developing partnerships and collaborations between the source and destination countries can help to facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge, promote trade and investment, and create opportunities for mutually beneficial development.
Overall, policy interventions and solutions that address the underlying causes of brain drain and create opportunities for skilled professionals can help to mitigate the negative impact of migration and promote sustainable development.
Brain drain is a complex issue and is influenced by a variety of factors, including economic opportunities, political instability, quality of life, and social and cultural factors. Higher-income countries in the West tend to be more attractive destinations for skilled professionals, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), due to higher salaries, better working conditions, and greater access to resources and opportunities.
One factor that may contribute to brain drain in Asia is the availability of economic opportunities in the West. Many Asian professionals, particularly in STEM fields, are attracted to the United States, Canada, and Europe due to higher salaries and better working conditions. Political instability and lack of investment in education and research can also contribute to brain drain in some Asian countries.
Retaining talent and preventing brain drain is a challenge faced by many countries, including Sri Lanka.
One of the primary reasons for brain drain in Sri Lanka is the lack of career opportunities for skilled professionals. The country has a limited number of high-paying jobs in industries such as engineering, medicine, and IT. This makes it difficult for skilled professionals to advance in their careers and earn a comfortable living.
Sri Lanka invests relatively less in research and development as compared to India.
This lack of investment means that the country has limited opportunities for skilled professionals to engage in cutting-edge research and development projects, which can be a major factor in motivating them to stay and work in the country.
The county has experienced a high degree of political instability in recent years, which can create an uncertain environment for skilled professionals. This can discourage them from investing in their careers and staying in the country, leading to brain drain.
Sri Lanka has a limited number of high-quality educational institutions, particularly in the fields of science and technology. This can make it difficult for skilled professionals to gain the knowledge and skills they need to advance in their careers.
Mitigation strategies
Reducing brain drain in Sri Lanka will require a multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of migration and creates opportunities for skilled professionals to stay and contribute to the country’s development.
Investing in education and research can help to create a more skilled workforce in Sri Lanka, reducing the need for migration. This includes providing funding for universities, research institutions, and training programs to improve the quality of education and research opportunities.
Providing competitive salaries, benefits, and working conditions can encourage skilled professionals to stay in Sri Lanka or return after working abroad. Governments and employers can also offer incentives, such as tax breaks, housing, and training opportunities, to retain skilled professionals.
Career advancement
Offering opportunities for career advancement and professional development can help to retain skilled professionals and encourage the return of migrants. This includes providing training and mentorship programs, as well as opportunities for networking and collaboration with other professionals.
Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation can help to create job opportunities and economic growth, which can in turn reduce the need for migration. This includes providing funding and support for startups and small businesses, as well as creating a supportive regulatory environment for innovation.
Engaging with Sri Lankan diaspora networks can help to build bridges between the source and destination countries, promote knowledge transfer, and facilitate investment and economic development. Developing partnerships and collaborations between Sri Lanka and other countries can help to facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge, promote trade and investment, and create opportunities for mutually beneficial development.
Overall, reducing brain drain in Sri Lanka will require a coordinated effort that addresses the underlying causes of migration and creates opportunities for skilled professionals to stay and contribute to the country’s development.
The writer is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.