Diaspora – Selective Immigration Policies and the Brain Drain

In an age of rapid information and globalization, developing countries need an educated workforce more than ever. However, the wealthiest nations entice the most talented workers with high wages – creating a void of intellectual capital in the most impoverished countries. As the populations of wealthy nations age, many governments have increased incentives for specialists to immigrate, although some like the UK have established ethical standards regarding health care workers. Bathseba H. Belai, independent researcher on the African diaspora, urges developed nations such as the US and UK to restrict their recruitment tactics. Also contributing to the “brain drain” are restrictions on research, stifling bureaucracy and sociopolitical instability. Developed nations can aid poor nations by adjusting highly selective immigration laws – and encouraging professionals to revitalize and lead their respective homelands. – YaleGlobal