Brain drain is described as the movement of people to different parts of the world searching for a better standard of living and quality of life, incomes and more politically stable situations.

It has become a serious issue in our country these days. When we ask people, “What is your plan for life? Many reply that they are planning to go abroad.

This has developed into a habit or compulsion for them. Each year, more than four hundred thousand students pass their Plus two and more than a thousand people leave Nepal dreaming of achieving their career and earning money.

Those people who are educated and financially strong go to developed countries, whereas other people go to Gulf countries.

Since the early 2000s, the number of workers going to Gulf nations for temporary work has increased at an unprecedented rate, according to the Nepal Labour Migration Report 2020. Many people are falling down due to a lack of career prospects, a suitable environment in which to earn money, and the desire to prove themselves.

People are also forced to leave their country due to constant questioning from families, friends, and society about what to do next. Many people leave the country with a desire, but others depart to earn money in order to fulfill their responsibilities.

Prabhav Madip Baniya says the main causes of brain drain are continuous political instability, poor economic return on investment, lack of proper planning for qualified manpower, and less opportunity for further growth and development.

For him, the solution could be Good public service, educational reform to meet current needs, a safe working environment, respect in all types of jobs, and investment of current remittances in productive areas.

The next one is quality education. Due to COVID 19, the education system has been changed. Almost 2 years the classes were run virtually, exams were also postponed that created frustration in the mind of students.

Likewise, Sujata Neupane, a student, believes that there are both literate and illiterate individuals in a community. All of the educated people leave the village, while the illiterate people stay. People in Nepal leave their homes and families due to a lack of facilities.

Causes of brain drain 

Going abroad has become a feasible alternative for many people for a variety of reasons. The first is a lack of employment opportunities.

People invest their time and money in education. They study at a reputed college and score high grades. After passing the exam, carrying the certificates, they travel here and there for the job.

The Nepalese government has also begun initiatives intended to increase job prospects, such as providing loans to students who wish to work in their home country.

They apply to each and every online job search site, but sometimes it doesn’t give positive results. Then they begin to look for another option such as going overseas.

The next one is quality education. Due to COVID 19, the education system has been changed. Almost 2 years the classes were run virtually, exams were also postponed that created frustration in the mind of students.

When I asked them about this, many responded that I want to go abroad because the education system is good there.

The third one is to show up in society. People feel very proud when they state that my son and daughter live abroad. Many people ask me why I haven’t applied to go abroad.

Most of them try to convince me of that. People think that staying in Nepal is like a curse. Even parents want their children to travel overseas because they believe it will provide them with chances.

Pros and cons 

One of the pros of brain drain is that it enables an individual to grow financially. Individuals are given more opportunities.

People improve their professional abilities by learning new skills from professionals from diverse areas. The cons are that professionals are leaving the country and the country’s professional workforce is decreasing. And, as a result of the migration of qualified people, the country remains underdeveloped.

Solution

The Nepalese government has also begun initiatives intended to increase job prospects, such as providing loans to students who wish to work in their home country.

If things continue as they are, Nepal will reach a point where only the older generations will be left. To prevent skilled manpower from going abroad, the government should develop definite plans and policies.