Introduction
I believe, migration is a fundamental aspect of our human civilization. But recently, this natural free movement of people have turned into an exodus. Consequently, not all were happy where reasons could be many. Such unhappy migrants now want to go back home, thus the new term, Reverse Migration.
If you migrate without any plan, or someone known who has done it is flourishing, you might realize that going back home could be a smart choice. Reverse migration has multifaceted aspects. Settling in a new geography may not be for everyone, which comes with its own set of challenges, that’s why people go back.
Challenges
Reverse migration have it’s own challenges. Influx for large workforce surely can be disrupting for any economy.
Returning population could stretch local infrastructure, like housing. Skill mismatch could be challenging, as the local job market might have shifted, since they left. It could lead to sudden saturation, as too many expatriates are coming in.
Adjusting to other socio-economic factors, might not be as easy as we all think. Things like medical infrastructure, could feel stretches to its limit, if too many come back in a short period of time. Therefore, reverse migration could be an issue for the home country.
Good or Bad
Migration can be good or bad, depending upon how you see it. It is good when it comes to cultural exchange, economic growth, innovation, diversity etc. The dynamism that gets injected into local economy, alongside fostering of cross cultural understanding, gets a much needed boost when people migrate.
But on the flip side, there are some major drawbacks too.
Social and cultural diversity, at times lead to conflicts. When people from different backgrounds meet, socio-economic disparity, which lead to tensions in our society. Often new migrants are treated differently.
Ideally, it should not happen as it leads to exploitation.
Major Benefits
One of the major effects of migration is, brain drain. Advanced economies attract smart minds, which contribute to their economies right away. In reverse migration, they take their experience in advanced countries back home. This stimulates innovation, as now new perspective stimulates local economy.
Consequently, knowledge gained abroad is transferred to local workforce.
I believe, such reverse migration is now a big trend. That is why, home countries in a way are encouraging people settled abroad, to come back. This reverse brain drain, earlier happened with China, and now India is also trying to do in a big way.
Impact on Women
When men migrate, it can alter the gender balance in any local community. This will eventually allow women to have, more socially prominent roles. Greater opportunities will open for them which includes, economic participation, decision making and leadership.
As a result, women start contributing their fair share in the economy, thus making them more independent. Economists give importance to increase in this skill utilization, another big metric, that gets a boost when women are more empowered in a society. So I believe, reverse migration and its effect on women specifically, should be handled carefully, as this changes the delicate gender balance that can have social effects.
My Perspective
Reverse migration is a multifaceted phenomena, which has its advantages as well as challenges. People coming back no doubt is good, but as a society, we should be ready for many opportunities and obstacles that might arise. No doubt, incoming talent brings their experiences and exposure to developed western world back home, which I believe is good for home economy.
Government policies should help assimilate reverse migrants, so that socio-economically it is beneficial.
I believe, reverse migration is good. It is like a negative brain drain, but with added experience and exposure to advanced technologies. But like they say, all that glitters is not gold.
As a disclaimer :
I’m not a financial advisor please consult one before investing based on your personal financial situation, and don’t forget to do your own due diligence.