The Emigration Potential of Skilled Zimbabweans: Perceptions, Current Migration Patterns, Trends and Policy Responses.

Abstract

The movement of skilled professionals from developing countries like Zimbabwe to

industrialised countries is taking place at an alarming rate, and there is little evidence that

these flows will decrease in the near future. Serious concerns have been raised by

developing countries as they argue that they are losing most of their skilled human

resource base, which is a precondition for economic development. They further contend

that they invest in the education of professionals whose knowledge and expertise are

being tapped by developed countries while their economies continue to suffer from

shortages of such personnel. These concerns form a sound basis for academic enquiry

into the subject.

The thesis draws on research work that was conducted between January 2001 and

September 2002. The study aimed to establish the emigration potential of skilled

Zimbabweans and to examine the current migration patterns, trends and to analyse policy

responses. Data collection for the study was divided into two phases. The first part of the

study focussed on the emigration potential of skilled Zimbabweans while the second part

focussed on the migration of health professionals from Zimbabwe. Qualitative methods

were also used to provide additional information for the study.

The research findings highlight the causes, magnitude and effects of migration of skilled

personnel to Zimbabwe’s economy. The first survey provides evidence that skilled

Zimbabwean professionals have a high emigration potential, with up to 86% of the

surveyed population considering migrating to another country. The study established that

the causes of emigration of professionals from Zimbabwe can be ranked as (a) cost of

living; (b) level of taxation; (c) availability of quality affordable products; and (d) level of

income. The second survey demonstrates the magnitude and the causes of migration of

health professionals from the country. The number of registered health professionals

either increased marginally (in the case of doctors) or fell significantly (in the case of

nurses) during the period studied. The study documented the effects of migration on the

workload of the remaining health professionals. Health institutions in disadvantaged rural

areas are continuously losing staff to those located in urban areas which have a lesser

workload and better working conditions. Consequently, this trend has made it necessary

for less qualified staff to carry out specialised duties in rural areas. The research shows

that the poor have been the worst affected by the migration of health professionals since

they cannot afford the fees charged at private clinics.

Based on the research findings, the study recommends a speedy resolution to the current

economic and political crisis as a long term solution to curb the migration of skilled

professionals from Zimbabwe. The country can also adopt a brain export strategy in

which it heavily supports investment in education to offset the losses through emigration

whilst benefiting from the remittances sent back by the emigrants abroad. The results of

the study are hoped to help policymakers in implementing effective human resource

management strategies.