The Advantages and Disadvantages of Skilled Migrants Increased Rate of Movement

The topic of this essay was inspired by Peter Stalker’s writing ‘Emigrants as heroes’. Furthermore, the issue brain drain resulting from sending skilled immigrants to developed nations as a result of benefit to themselves and their country. Hence the question, ‘Do they benefit the host country or their own country. This article by Stalker shows both sides of the argument referring the advantage and disadvantage of immigrants migrating to countries for better pay as well as life.

Migrants from developing nations such as Africa and Asia travel to the west in the hope that they will get a better life, better job and better prospect. They come however, in several different ways. One of them is when skilled individuals cross their border to the west. Hence, the term skilled migrants. In an article by Herbert, it is highlighted how this may be so. Herbert states that some developed nations such as United Kingdom have formed a way of gaining skilled migrants to their country through the process of a program known as Highly Skilled Migrant Program (Herbert 2005).

This program aims to give an opportunity of a life time for students as well as those that wish to extend their education level that is studying masters, PhD or doctorate degree. The benefit of this program is that these students will gain quality education and develop their existing knowledge. However, majority of graduates or skilled immigrants to the developed world such as United Kingdom and United States do not go back when they finish their studies. Hence, the consecutive increase of skilled migrants from developed nations in terms of job prospect will have an economic and social impact for the sending country. As this people will give their knowledge not to their...

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...gs and therefore impending the social and cultural unity.

It could be argued however, that the issue of brain drain is having a reversal effect. Recent survey’s show that several African countries such as Nigeria, even though they are losing their skilled laborers they are gaining the for their own nation, Africa. This is true in cases of Gabon, Botswana and Republic of South Africa where skilled laborers from other African countries leave to work for their own nation.

In conclusion, skilled migrant’s rate of movement has increased since late 1980’s up to the present day. The impact it is having in developing nations such as Africa, Nigeria is devastating. Whereas, economically developed nations such as US and Europe are gaining economic benefit. Although this is not the only problem of Africa’s slow rate of development it is one that is stagnating its pace.