What Is Brain Drain?

“Brain drain” means that educated, skilled, or talented people leave their home country and move somewhere else, often in search of better jobs, higher pay, better working conditions, or more stable institutions.

In North Macedonia, brain drain is considered a serious problem. Many young people, graduates, and professionals decide to live and work abroad. This affects the country’s economy, society, and future development.

• The 2021 census showed that more than 12.4 % of all North Macedonians live abroad (i.e. outside the country).
• Over the past thirty years, as a result of emigration, North Macedonia lost about 10 % of its population.
• In recent years, the annual net migration (people leaving minus people arriving) has been negative. For example, in 2023, net migration was –5,597 people.
• According to a survey, 35.2 % of citizens in North Macedonia say that they are considering emigration.

In studies of young people and professionals:

• 52 % of highly educated North Macedonians (surveyed between 2015–2017) said they intended to permanently leave the country.
• Among students in science, technology, and engineering, about 80 % seriously considered leaving after graduation.
• In a more recent study, 62 % of respondents (especially people aged 31–40 with higher education) said they are inclined to leave the country.
• Youth unemployment is high. One source reports youth unemployment in North Macedonia at 28.3 %, with youth poverty at 27.3 %.

According to the Youth Study 2024:

• About 62 % of young people had some desire to migrate.
• Many youth believe that job success depends more on “connections with government officials” than on actual qualifications.

These figures show that the trend is strong and persistent.

Causes of Brain Drain in North Macedonia

Based on studies, surveys, and reports, the following are major “push factors”—that is, reasons why people want to leave:

1. Low salaries and poor job opportunities: Many graduates and professionals find jobs in North Macedonia, but they are poorly paid or unstable. The wage levels often do not match the cost of living or expectations.
2. Mismatch between education and labor market needs: Universities may teach skills that are not demanded by employers. Graduates sometimes find it difficult to find suitable jobs in their fields.
3. Corruption, nepotism, and weak institutions: Many young people see that in order to advance their careers, they must rely on personal connections, not merit. This perception lowers motivation and trust in domestic systems.
4. Lack of career growth, professional development, and security: Some professionals feel there is no future for advancing their careers in Macedonia. They may not see promotion paths or support for their specialization.
5. Aging population and demographic decline: As many young people leave, the population ages faster, which may worsen the economic burden and reduce opportunities for growth. Also, population decline reduces domestic demand and investments.

Effects and Consequences

The large-scale loss of skilled people has many negative impacts:

• Reduced human capital: Fewer engineers, medical specialists, teachers, and researchers remain in the country. This reduces capacity for innovation and economic competitiveness.
• Slower economic growth: A recent IMF study estimates that the population decline due to migration may cut potential GDP growth by about 0.5 percentage points.
• Challenges in public services: Key sectors such as health and education face staff shortages. For example, many university professors’ express willingness to leave, as salaries are low.
• Demographic decline and aging: The population is shrinking. The 2021 census found that the resident population was 1,836,713, which is a decline of 9.2 % from about 19 years earlier.
• Social and political costs: When many youths and professionals leave, the society loses its active, innovative segment. It can lead to lower civic engagement, less social mobility, and a weaker future.