While Canada, Switzerland and the United States massively attract international talent, other countries like Brazil, Croatia, Albania, Morocco and Nigeria see their skilled workers leaving. The reasons include political instability, corruption, lack of attractiveness, discrimination, insecurity and lack of democracy.
When politics divide populations
The "Brazilian paradox" is definitely worth a thought. On the one hand, the 4.6% growth in 2021 marked the end of the recession; on the other, demonstrations against the president somehow divided the population. In Brazil, the "pro Bolsonaro" group seems to be guided by fascination. The "anti Bolsanaro" have criticized his very poor management of the Covid-19 crisis, which led to rising social inequalities, anti-indigenous policies, the shelling of natural resources, etc., and they want him out. Although growth is present, it does not reach society at large. Inflation is another serious concern for Brazilians. While Brazil has become the new Eldorado for digital nomads, many Brazilians have already left the country or want to do so. A 35% rise in the number of skilled Brazilians living abroad has been reported in the past ten years; many are currently working in the fields of finance or engineering, especially in the United States. Venezuela, Mexico, and Cuba are other Central and South American countries that have been facing brain drain for many years. For those who move abroad, it's not about no longer loving their country but more about rejecting its policies. Yet, targeted by several legal investigations, Bolsonaro keeps defying the law and creating tensions.
Economic dynamism plagued by corruption
Officially, Nigeria is also emerging from recession, with a GDP estimated at 3%, especially thanks to oil, as the country is the leading producer in Africa. But for President Buhari (re-elected in 2019), the country urgently needs to get out of its oil dependence, considering the impact of the health crisis. In August 2021, Buhari promulgated a law for better regulation of oil production and redistribution of wealth. However, Nigerians have witnessed rising inequalities between the nearly 10,000 Nigerian multi-millionaires and millionaires and the rest of the population. Nollywood, the country's cinema industry, has become a world reference by highlighting the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Faced with reality, the people either invade the streets to voice out their concerns or simply flee to other countries. Like South Americans, Nigerians are also tired of the corrupted political system that leads to violence. Nigerians also testify of the regression in terms of infrastructure although the government speaks of growth. On October 20, 2020, they protested in a pacific way in Lagos against power and police violence. However, many of them were reported dead, and others were injured. Nigerian lawyers, doctors, nurses, bank managers, and writers all feel concerned by the situation. Young people, especially, feel the lack of consideration. Most of them question the purpose of studying and building a career when the whole system is corrupted. According to the Africa Polling Institute, 7 out of 10 Nigerians, mostly middle-class people, say they are willing to leave their country. However, the government doesn't seem concerned about the brain drain, focusing on those who choose to stay. But, just Brazilians, Nigerians also remain attached to their country, even though they no longer believe in change.
Broken societies
Despite the government's stimulus policies in 2020, nearly 600 engineers leave Morocco each year. And the Covid pandemic only made things worse. Since the beginning of the crisis, some 7,000 doctors have moved abroad, the main reason being the inability of the government to support the health system since many years and the absence of constructive reforms. It's worth noting that the health system accounts for only 6% of the national budget compared to 12% as per WHO recommendations. Doctors are aware that they are likely to find more attractive offers and remuneration, as well as better infrastructure, abroad, considering the skilled labor shortage in many European and American countries, especially in healthcare. Those who are keen on moving abroad believe that the social ladder has never worked. Add to that corruption and unequal distribution of wealth. Like the Nigerian middle classes, Moroccans are also exhausted. Besides, doctors, engineers and computer scientists are also seeking better career prospects and living conditions abroad.
The situation is quite similar in countries like Algeria, Senegal, Tunisia and Ghana, although governments blame Western countries for absorbing their talent and resources. But for local populations, governments' lack of concrete action is unacceptable. Since the end of 2020, Algeria has required its universities to go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before discussing any issues with foreign universities. The aim is to avoid brain drain and retain researchers and other university professors. But it is uncertain whether that's enough to hold them back, as the initial problems remain.
Lack of attractiveness
South American and African countries are not the only countries affected by brain drain. Balkan countries are also faced with the same dilemma with, on the one hand, European Union countries (Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, etc.) and, on the other, non-member states (Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, etc.). This phenomenon has existed since the 1990s. Large numbers of professionals left Albania for Greece, Germany, Italy and the United States. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Albania is the 4th country in the world regarding the emigration of talents. From a population of more than 4 million, the country is now home to some 3 million inhabitants. The United Nations believes that this figure could drop to just under 2 million in 2100. There is even an acceleration of departures or desires to leave when countries join the EU. In August 2021, the National Youth Council of Serbia revealed that 50% of young people are keen on leaving the country. In fact, 25% were already planning their move abroad. Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania have also lost their attractiveness, with people seeking better opportunities elsewhere in Europe. However, brain drain is harmful to development as it only widens the gap between wealthy countries and the others. In an attempt to stem its brain drain, the Croatian government launched the "I choose Croatia" program in December 2021. In short, Croatian expatriates who decide to return to the country to set up their business are eligible for a support budget of up to 26,000 euros. However, it's too early to know whether this strategy will help bring them back, considering corruption, inequality, and other social ills.
This quite looks like a vicious circle. While countries affected by the brain drain are doing their best to retain their potential, they don't seem ready to give up their idea of power -- which makes it more difficult to reconcile with an equitable distribution of wealth.
