South Africa risks losing a significant portion of its skilled youth to emigration due to the country’s high unemployment rate. A recent survey by BrandMapp found that as many as half (50%) of young South Africans aged 18-35, with good education and mid-to-top incomes, are seriously considering emigrating within the next five years.
“This is a massive concern,” said Brandon de Kock, Director of Storytelling at BrandMapp. “Even if this is mostly aspirational, it’s a radical indictment of our country. These young people believe they’ll have a better future with stronger economies and currencies elsewhere.”
South Africa’s unemployment rate is a major contributor to this sentiment. StatsSA reported a staggering 45.5% youth unemployment rate (15-34 years old) in Q1 2024, a figure that continues to climb.
This trend is already translating into action. Canadian immigration consultant Nicholas Avramis has seen a 50% increase in interest from South African doctors and nurses seeking to immigrate to Canada.
“They don’t see a future here,” said Avramis. “South Africa will lose its upcoming generation of doctors as they are in demand worldwide.” Canada alone has chosen 10,000 healthcare workers and doctors for permanent residency in 2023. This trend extends beyond healthcare, with 475 South Africans becoming permanent residents in Canada so far in 2024.
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