Emigration Alert: South Africa’s young professionals want out
Increasing numbers of South Africa’s young professionals finding opportunities outside the country is not good news for the economy.
South Africa is losing young professionals to various countries due to unfavourable economic opportunities in the local economy.
EMIGRATION
A survey conducted by the Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) found that around 9% of South Africans surveyed were considering emigrating.
Over 23% of South Africans who indicated that they were considering emigration gave better job opportunities as the reason for this.
The data showed that the number of South Africans wanting to leave the country increased with qualification levels and wealth.
ALSO READ: Emigration: South African expats are returning, why?
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Skilled South Africans aged between 18 and 24 are the most interested in emigration, with 13.56% seriously considering emigration, compared to the 9% average.
This is worrying because South Africa’s economy is not providing enough job opportunities to retain educated young people.
ALSO READ: South African expats are returning to Johannesburg!? See here
HOST COUNTRIES
BusinessTech states that the countries these South Africans are moving to include:
| Position | Country | Percentage |
| 1 | USA | 15.80 |
| 2 | UK | 14.87 |
| 3 | Australia | 9.19 |
| 4 | Botswana | 7.14 |
| 5 | Germany | 7.13 |
It appears that young South Africans are emigrating mainly to English-speaking countries with developed economies.
However, non-English-speaking countries such as Germany and Botswana are becoming increasingly attractive.
BRAIN DRAIN
The loss of skills is nothing to celebrate since SA is already experiencing a brain drain, which is costing the country dearly in terms of skills required in the local economy.
The absence of key skills is a major setback in maintaining the country’s ageing infrastructure, planning and developing new initiatives and a host of other factors.
ALSO READ: South African Airways to consider hiring staff from other countries
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Since emigration impacts the economy, the loss of valuable young professionals does not bode well.
SA’s local economy will not grow as much as it could with declining numbers of educated high-income earners.
South Africa has lost thousands of dollar millionaires in recent years. The BRICS Wealth Report 2023 indicates that South Africa has lost around 9 000 millionaires over the past ten years.
ALSO READ: Two SA cities among Africa’s most polluted! See here