Brain Drain: Effects, Causes, Types, Disadvantages & Remedies

Brain Drain is defined as the condition where the country losses its workers. In other words, brain drain is defined as the migration of skilled workers or labourers from one country to another where they can get good working conditions and a reasonable amount of salary.

According to some sources, Guyana in South America is the country that has suffered the largest brain drain of around 70%. The skilled workers and labour force have moved to the US in order to get good jobs in the tertiary sectors which will provide them with better standards of living.

There are three types of brain drain i.e. between developed countries, from developing to developed countries and between developing countries. In all the three forms, the migration takes place from one developed country (can be undeveloped too) to other developed countries in search of money and better standards of living.  

Effects of Brain Drain

Brain Drain can affect the economy thereby having some grave consequences. These effects can distort the economic conditions of a nation. Some of the effects of brain drain are:

1. The country loses its potential workers and entrepreneurs who can help the government in developing the economy. 

1. No tax revenue

1. There will be a shortage of labourers and workers if the majority of the work force leaves.

1. There will be very little investment in the education sector. As a result, there will be a loss of infrastructure and education policies. Therefore, people might find it useful to study abroad rather than studying in a less developed country.  

1. With the decrease in the Economy, there will be poor health infrastructures. People will not be treated well, which automatically will result in the migration of the people.  

 These are some of the effects of brain drain which can result in a decrease in the economy. With a less developed economy, there will be poor infrastructures, less investment and loss of labour. Thus, the economy must keep on developing slowly and steadily. 

Now, what are the causes of Brain drain in India? People often ponder upon this fact. India is a developing country and there is unemployment, political instability, poor research facilities and much more. People in India look for high salary jobs and a better standard of living which is not possible sometimes.

So, in order to get high payable jobs and career development, people study and settle abroad. They add on to the work force of other countries thereby, helping them to be more developed and efficient. Other developed countries have positive factors like economic outlook, foreign training, a proper education system, intellectual freedom and career growth which makes people migrate and settle in such areas. Therefore, these are the reasons for brain drain in India.     

Disadvantages of Brain Drain

Brain Drain has negative effects on the economy. Brain Drain results in making the less developed countries poorer. Some of the disadvantages are listed below.

1. There will be a loss of good labour and work – force if people migrate from one country to another. This will automatically lead to a decline in the economic structure. 

2. There will be no competition as there will be no work force. With less labour, there will be a loss of creativity thereby, leading to no competition with the developed nations.

3. The country will not grow if the work force has migrated. Without the potential entrepreneurs and labourers, the country will face a decline in the economy. As a result, there will be no growth and development in terms of infrastructure and health facilities. 

4. The skilled manpower will be lost if the country’s growth is hindered. 

These are some of the disadvantages of brain drain that can have some grave consequences. Brain drain can affect the economy in a negative way. 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the brain drain examples. For instance, if doing an MBA abroad can offer better career and job opportunities than studying in India, then it’s better to move to the other country so that you can have a good pay – grade salary along with better standards of living.

Another reason and example why people move from one country to another can depend on the working conditions. People working in the US have better working conditions than other countries be it a teacher, a worker or anyone working in an MNC. When someone is paid better and is provided good working conditions, then people are bound to leave the country and settle somewhere else. Thus, a poor economy can lead people to migrate to other countries.     

Brain Drain can have some grave consequences in terms of the economy. So what is the solution of brain drain? It is important to stop the brain drain happening in countries and this can be done by recognizing the talent and preserving them. 

1. The concerned authorities need to develop the rural sectors thereby, providing them better standards of living. 

2. The educational sectors must also be developed thereby providing career growth and good job opportunities so that the students do not migrate and add on to the workforce of other countries.    

3. The government must provide quality services to its patients which will help in developing the health sector as well. 

4. Various infrastructures and buildings must be built in order to provide better standards of living to the people.

Thus, these are some of the solutions which the authorities must adhere to in order to stop the brain drain from happening. There are various effects of brain drain which can be harmful for the country thereby, leading to a degraded economy. Thus, the government must take several steps so that the country doesn’t lose its skilled labourers and potential entrepreneurs. 

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