Opportunities abroad are calling more SA youth.
Photos Unsplash/Eric Prouzet/Vansh Singh
SA’s skilled youth flocking to these countries – Why?
More and more of SA’s skilled youth are leaving SA for opportunities abroad. Five countries stand out as popular destinations.
Opportunities abroad are calling more SA youth.
Photos Unsplash/Eric Prouzet/Vansh Singh
The number of young skilled professionals leaving the country has increased. Skilled youth between the ages of 18 and 24 years are the most likely to emigrate. There are five countries at the top of their list of possible locations.
Top five reasons why SA’s skilled youth are emigrating
The most common reasons for SA’s skilled youth leaving the country are the following:
- Job opportunities
- A failing South African state
- Better overall opportunities
- Better standard of living
- Poor governance of the country
Where are they going?
Developed economies and English-speaking countries seem to hold the highest appeal for SA’s skilled youth considering emigration.
The top five preferred countries for this year are:
- USA
- UK
- Australia
- Botswana
- Germany
Botswana is a newcomer on the list compared to last year’s top five list, with more people leaving the country to go to Botswana.
This may well be because Botswana has a stable political environment and a healthy economy. Its economic growth, job opportunities, and healthcare system have attracted many immigrants. Skilled migrants are recruited in several sectors in Botswana, including education, management, engineering, law, and healthcare.
Skills shortage worsened by emigration
More and more of SA’s skilled youth are leaving the country due to opportunities abroad. CEO of the Inclusive Society Institute (ISI), Daryl Swanepoel, said that “this is particularly alarming given the existing skills shortage in the country.” He added that “losing highly educated individuals would deal a significant blow to the economy, including the potential loss of tax to the fiscus resulting from the high-income earners’ departure,” according to Business Tech.
Additionally, the ISI stated that SA’s economy is not giving enough job opportunities for the skilled and high-income earners to grow.
Compared to SA, the countries that SA’s skilled youth are considering moving to have strong economies and qualified jobs shortages in terms of candidates, which means they are actively seeking skilled individuals to move there.
