Doesn't seem to be though. The question in the latest Economist" How can Africa moved from brain train to brain game?" Valid for us also. Like in Nepal many South Africans are leaving their country to make money outside, but many miss friends and family and like to come back to raise their children at home. It is not for pessimists, bigots and moaners to bring talent back home. The brain train of high quality people leaving the country created the shortage of skills that the government is now struggling to remedy. The brain train of the most highly qualified has worsened so problem.
Like in Nepal also in South Africa emigration accelerated after the country moved to democracy and its international isolation ended. Asian South Africa the estimated numbers of leavers ballooned in the last few years. As in South Africa also in Nepal the highly skilled people emigrated and many Nepalese with higher education degrees are living now in rich country. Like in Nepal many South Africans are push out by conflict or powerty. As in South Africa also Nepal emigration is concentrated on US, UK and Canada.

But there is hope ashore. An increasing number of diaspora networks are developed. The foreign diaspora network are starting to contribute to humanitarian and vocational training at home, to help to develop research and international cooperation and to develop business links and exchange programs to those who have stayed. Many also send money back to the families. And like in Nepal the officially recorded figures are much lower than the money being sent through informal channels.

One interesting difference is there South Africa is compensating its brain lost by making it easy for others to immigrate. New immigration rules make it easier for educated foreigners to move into South Africa and local businessman tired of hearing their compatriots moaning about their country are trying to change perceptions.
It seems to be time for Nepal to look in the same direction.


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