Why the youth are increasingly looking for opportunities abroad

Khondoker Rukaiya Siddiqa :

Unprecedented numbers of young Bangladeshis have recently been attracted to the idea of leaving their home country in search of opportunities abroad.

Analysts and decision-makers are closely monitoring this expanding trend, which has piqued their interest in the underlying causes of this phenomenon of migration.

The South Asian nation of Bangladesh, which has a sizable population, has experienced significant economic growth.

However, a sizeable percentage of its youth continue to experience difficulties like unemployment, a lack of promising career options, and insufficient access to high-quality education.

The reasons why young people in Bangladesh are increasingly looking for opportunities abroad are examined in this article, along with some possible repercussions for the country as a whole.

The likelihood of Bangladeshi youth migrating abroad is significantly influenced by economic factors.

Despite significant advancements in many sectors, the domestic labor market frequently struggles to satisfy the demands of a growing youth population.

A study conducted by UNESCO highlights that, despite progress, access to quality higher education in Bangladesh remains limited, with only 26 per cent of the relevant age group enrolled in tertiary education.

Due to the intense competition and lack of job opportunities, many graduates may experience underemployment or outright unemployment, which will negatively impact their chances of securing a fulfilling career.

Because of this, a sizable proportion of young Bangladeshis see migration as a practical way to get access to better jobs and living conditions, motivating them to leave the country in search of their dreams.

Young people’s obsession with international travel is significantly fueled by their pursuit of high-quality education.

There are still few opportunities to enroll in prestigious institutions or carry out cutting-edge research in Bangladesh, despite the country’s commendable improvements to its educational system.

Many ambitious students decide to study abroad to expose themselves to international education standards, specialized courses, and research opportunities because they believe it will give them a distinct competitive advantage in the job market after they return.

The young people of Bangladesh still have a deep-seated desire to advance their knowledge and abilities, and they see international education as a means of achieving this goal.

Along with economic and educational factors, the socio-political environment of a nation can have a significant impact on young people’s desire to travel and experience life elsewhere.

Bangladesh, like many other countries, has to deal with problems like political unrest, corruption, and excessive bureaucracy.

Young people might feel that these issues are stifling their personal and professional ambitions, and they might look for safety in countries they perceive to have more open, meritocratic, and stable governments.

Many young people from Bangladesh look for better opportunities abroad because they want to live in a more hospitable setting where talent and merit are valued and recognized.

Due to migration, Bangladeshi youth have an unmatched opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and environments, which will help them develop as individuals and widen their worldviews.

People who have been exposed to a variety of cultures, languages, and social mores are more likely to be adaptable, have better communication skills, and have a more global perspective – all of which are very valuable in a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected.

Additionally, they can create a worldwide network of connections thanks to this exposure, which could be helpful in both professional and personal contexts.

By fostering empathy and understanding among people from various backgrounds, these cross-cultural encounters help to create a more interconnected world.

Cultural expectations and societal norms have a big impact on how Bangladeshi youth aspirations are shaped.

Families of many young people exert significant pressure on them to take advantage of opportunities abroad, frequently spurred by the idea that going abroad will elevate one’s status and provide financial security.

Remittances are a potential source of income that may be used to send money home, which promotes migration as a means of providing for one’s family and enhancing their welfare.

According to the World Bank, Bangladesh received an estimated $20.6 billion in remittances in 2020, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and impacting its GDP.

A sense of responsibility to one’s family and community is a major driving force for many young people who want to travel abroad in search of better opportunities.

In an effort to change the situation and challenge the status quo, some Bangladeshi youth decide to leave their home country.

This choice is motivated by a strong desire to do both.

These people aspire to travel the globe and acquire abilities, information, and encounters that they can apply when they return home to advance their native nation.

Many people in Bangladesh aspire to be change agents who address domestic social problems and advance economic development at home using their international experience and knowledge.

As a result, the “brain drain” phenomenon is one of the major consequences of youth migration abroad.

When professionals leave the country, the talent pool is reduced, and Bangladesh faces a skills shortage.

The loss of skilled workers may hinder economic growth and innovation because the nation heavily depends on these individuals to advance development in a number of sectors.

Despite concerns about the brain drain, evidence suggests that a portion of Bangladeshi migrants eventually return with valuable skills and knowledge.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) notes that return migrants often contribute to various sectors, including entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and capacity building.

Some young Bangladeshis who migrate abroad for work or education eventually return home, despite the brain drain being a concern.

These people could return from their travels with priceless abilities, information, and experiences that would be beneficial to the development of the nation.

Promoting laws that make it easier for skilled immigrants to return home could maximize their contribution to the development of the country.

Youth in Bangladesh may develop a more global perspective as a result of exposure to various cultures and experiences abroad.

The potential to bring about positive change in their communities and the country as a whole can result from this broader outlook, which can also foster greater innovation and openness to new ideas.

The fascination with traveling outside of Bangladesh among young people is a complicated phenomenon influenced by a number of societal, political, economic, and educational variables.

The allure of foreign opportunities grows ever more compelling for ambitious people looking to broaden their horizons and reach their potential as the world continues to experience globalization and growing interconnectedness.

While there are many advantages to migration, policymakers must address the underlying causes of this trend in order to create an environment that nurtures talent, offers plenty of opportunities, and promotes social and economic development.

Bangladesh can start a new era of development and prosperity by utilizing the potential of its young people.

(The writer a student of English Department, University of Dhaka).