Macroeconomic Determinants of Brain Drain in the Era of Globalization: Evidence from Pakistan

Abstract

The Brain Drain (BD) is a cynosure of all the eyes because it has become a grave issue for Pakistan. Every year, thousands of students graduate from colleges and universities. Our markets cannot accommodate such a huge number of graduates so; these people prefer to migrate to other parts of the world. This paper attempts to investigate the factors affecting brain drain in Pakistan by utilizing the data for 1990 to 2018. Indices of variables are constructed in this study to measure the potential of factors causing migration from Pakistan to other developed economies. Secondary data has been taken from the World Development Indicator (WDI) and the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE). This study finds that in long run governance, financial stability, the standard of living, and infrastructure have a negative and significant impact on the dependent variable (Brain drain). Social openness does not show a significant impact on brain drain in the long run. This study concludes that brain drain in developing nations is a serious matter and it should be addressed on a priority basis. This study helps policymakers to develop policies to reduce the migration of highly skilled labour.