Brain Drain

Brain drain, which is the action of having highly skilled and educated people leaving their countries to work abroad., has became one of the developing countries concern.

Brain drain is also referred to as human capital flight. More and more third world science and technology educated people are heading for more prosperous countries seeking higher wages better working conditions. This has of course serious consequences on the sending countries.

While many people believe that immigration is a personal choice that must be understood and respected., others look at the phenomenon from the different perspective. What makes those educated people leave their countries should be seriously considered and a distinction between push and pull factors must be made.

The push factors include low wages and lack of satisfactory working and living conditions. Social unrest, political conflict and wars also be determining causes.

The pull factors, however include intellectual freedom and substantial fund for research.

Brain drain has negative impact in the sending countries economic prospects and competitiveness. It reduce the number of dynamic and creative people who can contribute to the development of their country. Likewise, with more entrepreneurs taking their investment abroad,developing countries are missing an Opportunity of wealth creation. This has also negative consequences on tax revenue and employment.

Most of the measures taken so far have not had any Success in alleviation the effects of brain drain.

A more Global view must take into consideration the provision of adequate working and living conditions in sending countries.

Another option should involve encouraging the expatriates to contribute their skill to the development of their countries without necessarily, physically relocating.