Brain Drain

 (I presented this topic as a part of my communication skills course last year.)

 "Brain drain" means the emigration of trained and talented individuals to other nations.

The reason for leaving the homeland could be any of these.

First, going abroad for higher education

Second reason could be that the person wants a better job. The opportunities in his country are limited, and he is unable to earn good money for his living.

Third, the country's worsening political, social, or economic conditions compelled him to make this decision.

Fourth, there are family issues.

Fifth, one of the causes of brain drain could be travel.

Sixth, health risks could be the cause.

Finally, you despise being in your home country.

Many developed nations have immigration and work permit programmes in order to attract talented and skilful people to their countries. In return, they promise them a better life, security and opportunities that they don’t find in their own countries. Programs like the H1B visa, HSMP, and Australian and Canadian skilled immigration are widely popular. Therefore, if one is skilful and talented, then he can easily avail of these opportunities.

The phenomenon of brain drain is perhaps most problematic for developing nations, where it is widespread. In these countries, higher education and professional certification are often viewed as the surest paths to escape from a troubled economy or difficult political situation. The country’s investment in higher education is lost when a trained and skilled individual leaves and does not return and contributes to its economy. Instead of this, he uses all the education and skills that he acquired from his home country for the betterment and economic boost of an alien nation.

Brain drain is becoming a global problem these days for developing countries. Every nation is facing it. Countries in South Asian countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India are mostly affected by it. The economic and political situations of these countries are fairly poor. Let me make one thing clear. A common conception is that only South Asian countries are affected by it. But the reality is that brain drain is a problem for every nation. Many European and Middle Eastern countries are also victims of it. Europe has been losing talented people who are being lured to immigrant countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many of Europe's best young scientists now live in the United States. A survey released by the European Commission found that only 13% of European science professionals working abroad intend to return home. Eastern European countries have expressed concerns about brain drain to Ireland and the United Kingdom. Portugal is the leader in brain drain. Yugoslavia, Romania, and Bulgaria followed it. Germany faced over one hundred thousand brain drains in 2005 due to economic conditions. Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia are also thought to be affected. A high percentage of Egyptians, Palestinians, and Syrians leave their country upon completing their higher education for other countries, particularly the countries of the Persian Gulf. China, the Philippines, Venezuela, Iran, and Iraq are also facing it. In Malaysia, the government is trying to lure back these people. Most people opt to migrate to Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, believing that they will have a better life than if they stay in Malaysia.

The only solution to this alarming situation of brain drain is that every nation should treasure its skilful people and should provide ample opportunities for them. Better living, security, and a free environment where a person can breathe is ultimately what every person wants and it’s his right to have this. So, a government should provide this to its human capital. And another point is that we should all realise our responsibility towards our nation, and we should strengthen our nation instead of leaving it.