ver 832,000 Pakistanis headed abroad for employment in 2022, according to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment. The choice to migrate and settle in another country in some ways reflects the loss of hope in one’s own country, economy and the future it entails. The implications of this phenomenon have been discussed time and again, with significant emphasis on its effects on the economic dividend and the loss of intellectual prowess. A regressing culture of innovation, coupled with mercurial political environment and a disregard for merit have more often than not pushed the youth to leave the country.

The migration of intellectual manpower from less developed to more developed countries is a complex and multifaceted issue with both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, the brain drain from developing countries to more developed countries can result in a loss of human capital and is a hindrance to the economic and social development of the source country. On the other, the migration can lead to a brain gain for the host country and contribute to the development of innovative and competitive industries.

This flight of the youth as a result of abysmal economic conditions also represents the underlying perceptions of the youth and the brightest individuals of the country regarding elite capture. Several accounts by the youth provide evidence of their belief that corruption and nepotism are depriving them of the opportunity to attain their true potential. Their belief in professional growth abroad has taken a strong hold for various reasons, including the nonexistent wage laws in Pakistan, where educated professionals are not valued at their true potential. In fact, in some instances, they are remunerated below the minimum wage for unskilled workers.

Owing to the value attached to the financial well-being, the choice of moving abroad, a study by PIDE has explored the reasons. It states that over 62 percent of 15-24 aged young people are planning to move abroad. The young people believe that better salaries and professional growth can be achieved by migrating. The pursuit of a level playing field and access to opportunities were also stated as primary reasons. Some women respondents cited security and gender equality as motivating factors.

While the issue of the loss of a country’s intellect and future is important, the utility of remittances has often been seen as a beneficial effect. Some people argue that the millions of Pakistanis abroad send home the funds that eventually boost the economy. A skilled diaspora also presents an attractive image of Pakistan worldwide. However, the question of how these remittances overshadow the issue of our productive capacity remains unanswered.

The disparate thought processes represent deep structural issues in our society. These also manifest the economic fiddling by the elite. Some scholars believe that the country’s educational polices are also one of the causes of the brain drain. Poor policies in place for decades led to the foundation of an elitist education system in the country, where students of certain classed aimed to leave the country for intellectual gain. The low standards of public education set the stage for a smaller proportion of intellectual talent to leave the country. Students emerging from underprivileged backgrounds tended to live in other countries.

A reversal of this trend can be achieved through educational, economic support, developmental recreational and career building programmes. It is essential to address the root causes of brain drain. This can be achieved through investment in education, training, and job creation, as well as by improving political and socio-economic conditions.

While migration of highly skilled individuals can provide immediate benefits to developed countries, it can have significant negative impacts for less developed countries. Addressing the root cause of brain drain and creating conditions that encourage highly skilled individuals to stay in their home countries is essential for sustainable economic and social development. It is important for governments to recognise the importance of a skilled and educated workforce and to implement policies that promote the development and retention of skilled workers in their home countries. Brain drain is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated and collaborative response from both the sending and recipient countries. Only through such efforts can we ensure that the migration of highly skilled individuals contributes to the development of all nations, rather than exacerbating the economic and social disparities between them.

Dr Fareeha Armughan is a research fellow and heads the Centre of Evidence Action at the SDPI. 

Huzaima Quddus is currently studying at LUMS