Elite migration and its relationship to development: Opportunities and challenges for policymakers

Elite and efficient human resources play a vital role in the various national arenas and, therefore, their good management is crucial. Elite migration or brain drain among developing countries is of great importance, as these countries lose more capital in the process of international human capital flows, and their development is usually slowed by this phenomenon. The main purpose of the current study is to investigate the extent and mechanism of the impact of elite migration on the development of home countries as well as presenting opportunities and challenges for policymaking in this field.

The study was systematically reviewed using the PRISMA protocol in international (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) and national databases (SID, Magiran, ISC). According to PICOS strategy, published papers until July 2019 in both English and Persian language using a variety of combinations of keywords; brain drain, challenges, developed country, development, migration, elite, policy, developing country and their Persian equivalent was searched. After searching and selecting articles, the text of the final articles was evaluated with the help of PRISMA checklist. Finally, the relationship between elite migration and development and related policies was presented as narrative synthesis.

With a detailed review of the final analyzed papers; can identify factors and variables affecting the three main issues that are central to migration and development: a) brain drain and development; b) the financial flows in result of elite migration; c) the the role of immigrant elite communities in development. By systematically reviewing the papers, we find that the potential impacts of elite migration on development is complex and multidimensional which require multidimensional response from policymakers. The impacts of elite migration can be positive or negative depending on the country, economic and social trends of the country and create opportunities or constraints for economic, social and human development.

In general, immigrant elite societies can play an important role in the economic, social and political development of their home countries. Immigrant elite communities can be the source of ideas, knowledge and skills, and social capital. Communications and networks of elite immigrant communities with their home country can serve as an important channel for enhancing the positive impacts of immigration on the country of origin. However, many developing countries, including Iran, still suffer from elite immigration or brain drain. Therefore, in order to realize the positive effects of elite migration, there is a need for rigorous and comprehensive policymaking that will undoubtedly include challenges such as the need for significant international dialogue and cooperation.