"Brain Drain" Migration Alarm of the Current Era

"Just run away first" and brain drain have become two phenomena that have recently drawn attention. Several countries have promptly taken a stance on these phenomena.

New Zealand authorities, for example, are trying to increase employment opportunities for young people. Meanwhile, the Portuguese government has chosen to offer progressive tax relief for young people. In fact, since last year, the Portuguese parliament has proposed tax cuts for workers under the age of 35.

The policy was taken because from the data they have, in the last three years—for reasons of economy, cost of living, and lack of job opportunities—more and more of their citizens have moved abroad. New Zealand and Portugal realize that without competitive young people, this demographic problem can trigger major risks.

Pakistan is a case in point. According to the United Nations, more than 1 million skilled workers from Pakistan have left the country. The departure of these superior resources has left hospitals, banks and many companies in Pakistan with a shortage of skilled workers.

Intertwined with various other factors, such as politics and security, the brain drain phenomenon has caused Pakistan's economic performance to falter. The country is haunted by high inflation rates that have caused prices of various goods to soar.

Since ancient times, humans instinctively follow where the food source is. After being able to produce it, humans then decided to settle. Humans also learned to adapt to their environment. If the environment no longer meets basic needs and other demands, including a sense of security and comfort, humans move again.

The mobility of humanity through trade, exploration, and even colonization reciprocally developed human capacity. New communities grew and became the forerunners of modern nations. Although migration is part of life and human rights, guaranteed by law, and part of the history of civilization, it needs to be observed.

On the one hand, migration does indeed drive global transformation. However, migration also creates burdens and the loss of a country's "competitive advantage."

In today's era, where competition between countries is also overshadowed by demographic issues, human migration also means resource migration. It is not surprising that a number of governments are trying hard to maintain all the resources they have. The demographic bonus will not have much effect if it is not absorbed and becomes energy for growth.

Therefore, reflecting on New Zealand, Portugal, and Pakistan, the phenomenon of “just run away” and brain drain is an alarm for the government to improve. The public hopes that the government will immediately improve the “climate” in this country so that it is comfortable for development and investment.