The selective emigration of highly educated people (“brain drain”) such as doctors, engineers, and teachers is often viewed as a loss for origin countries due to reduced skills and potential shortages in key sectors. However, its effects are more complex as skilled migration can also generate “brain gain” effects.
The prospect of migrating can encourage more people to invest in education, raising overall skill levels. Furthermore, migrants often send remittances that support household welfare, education, and small business investment. Diaspora networks and returnees can also promote trade, investment, and knowledge transfer. In many cases, these channels can lead to net development gains, depending on local conditions.
Policy should therefore aim to harness the benefits of mobility rather than restrict it. Strengthening education systems, creating legal migration pathways linked to training, and engaging diaspora networks can help convert emigration into a driver of development.
