Amidst a nuanced economic landscape, South Africa grapples with a concerning trend: while the overall desire to emigrate from the country has slightly decreased, there’s a notable surge in the ambition of young skilled professionals to seek opportunities abroad. The latest findings from a survey conducted by the Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) shed light on this trend, indicating a complex interplay of factors driving this migration inclination.
According to the ISI survey, approximately 9% of South Africans express serious intentions of emigrating within the next two years, marking a modest 2% decline from the preceding survey in 2021. Nonetheless, this reduction doesn’t overshadow the persistent challenge at hand, as articulated by Daryl Swanepoel, the CEO of ISI, in an interview with eNCA. Swanepoel highlighted that despite the decline, the proportion of individuals contemplating emigration, especially among the young and educated, remains troublingly high at around 10%.
Of particular concern is the correlation between education levels, financial status, and the inclination to emigrate. The survey indicates a worrisome trend where higher qualification levels and greater wealth correlate with an increased desire to leave the country. Such a phenomenon rings alarm bells given the existing skills deficit in South Africa. Losing a significant portion of the highly educated workforce could inflict severe economic repercussions, including a potential loss of tax revenue from high-income earners.
The gravity of this situation becomes palpable when considering the exodus of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from South Africa, as evidenced by the BRICS Wealth Report for 2023, which reveals a loss of approximately 9,000 millionaires over the past decade. Moreover, the report underscores a troubling reality: young skilled South Africans, particularly those aged 18 to 24, emerge as the most inclined demographic to pursue emigration, with a staggering 13.56% seriously considering such a move, surpassing the national average.
Reasons cited for contemplating emigration revolve predominantly around economic and personal well-being considerations. Better job opportunities stand out as a primary motivator, with 23.18% of respondents expressing this sentiment, followed by the pursuit of overall better opportunities (9.79%) and a desire for an enhanced life/standard of living (9.69%). The disillusionment with the state of governance and the declining socio-economic conditions in South Africa further fuel this desire for relocation.
In terms of preferred destinations, developed economies and English-speaking countries remain sought after by aspiring emigrants. Notably, Botswana emerged as a surprising contender, overshadowing last year’s third-place holder, Germany, in the preferences of potential migrants. Canada, although dropping out of ISI’s top five, continues to attract skilled South Africans, alongside Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as per insights from Sable International.
The allure of Canada, in particular, has garnered significant attention, evidenced by the influx of inquiries received by Canadian immigration consultants. Nicholas Avramis, a prominent figure in this domain, disclosed that his offices have fielded approximately 17,000 inquiries from South Africans exploring relocation prospects. Such a mass exodus of young, qualified individuals poses a formidable challenge to the South African economy, already grappling with a scarcity of skills and expertise.
The ISI emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address this brain drain phenomenon. It underscores the imperative of creating a conducive environment for job creation and economic growth to retain and harness the potential of the country’s educated workforce. Failure to stem this tide risks exacerbating the skills deficit and impeding the nation’s progress, while developed economies actively court the very talent South Africa struggles to retain.
In conclusion, the escalating desire among young skilled professionals to seek opportunities abroad underscores the need for proactive measures to address the underlying causes fuelling this trend. Only through concerted efforts to enhance job prospects, foster economic resilience, and address governance challenges can South Africa hope to stem the tide of emigration and harness the full potential of its human capital for sustainable development.
