Today's debate should not be about 'staying in the country or going abroad?' but rather about 'how to stay connected to the country?' The country should also create an environment where its youth can meaningfully connect with the country, wherever they are, rather than trying to stop them.
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There is a growing demand to create an environment for youth to return to the country. This issue was raised as a major priority during the election. Since the exodus of youth is increasing, there is also a concern that efforts should be made to stop it within the country. This is also a matter of national interest and national security. Now that a stable government has been formed in the country, it is easy to make practical plans and gain the trust of the youth.
The expert cabinet, which came with the mandate of the youth movement and is filled with young faces, has also spread a positive message to the public by bringing the '100 Agendas for Government Reforms' in the initial phase. Glimpses of good governance have been seen. Government agencies are working according to public sentiment. This government can work to create a business-friendly and investment-friendly environment by increasing the trust of citizens in the state. In that case, youth exodus can be reduced.
The 'brain drain' caused by the nation's The ‘decline in human capital’ has a negative impact on economic progress. Therefore, the next plan should be to make a strategy to prevent the brain drain of youth. For that, the foundation of good governance should be strengthened.
In today's world, knowledge, technology and opportunities are becoming limitless. Therefore, the migration of people has become natural. Therefore, the traditional idea that there has been a ‘brain drain’ is itself incomplete and outdated. In fact, to understand today's reality, it is necessary to look at it not from the concept of ‘brain drain’, but from the concept of ‘brain gain’ and ‘brain circulation’, where young people do not just leave the country, they expand their scope and power. Similarly, they are connected to the country through various means. In fact, going abroad is only seen as ‘brain drain of the country’. But in the current context, this idea is not entirely true.
It is not that everyone who goes abroad stays there permanently. There are also those who return with skills. Current Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and other ministers have studied in countries including the US, UK and India. Young people go abroad and not only earn financial income, but also acquire new thinking, technology, work culture and problem-solving skills. It is not that everyone who goes abroad stays there permanently. There are also those who return with skills. Current Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and other ministers have studied in countries including the US, UK and India and returned. Rather, the number of young people who have gone is more discussed, but there is a situation where there is no return.
The scope of the Nepali diaspora is also increasing. Nepalis living abroad have already received remittances, and there has been an exchange of talents and skills. Similarly, the culture, dress and food of the country are discussed through expatriate Nepalis, reflecting the identity of the nation. Through this, tourism is promoted. Nepal's 'soft power' can be expanded through the Nepali diaspora.
Some of the Nepalis who have gone abroad have even influenced the state machinery of the respective countries through their skills and abilities. Through them, our 'economic diplomacy' and the development of international relations can be supported.
Nepal has so far given more importance only to remittances. But it has neglected the transfer of knowledge, skills and thinking. Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be able to convince the relevant countries to invest in the country and support economic progress through diplomatic skills by making the missions abroad give priority to 'economic diplomacy'. For that, it is necessary to work with the trust of non-resident Nepalis.
Migration is a continuous process in today's world. Young people who have gone abroad for studies work there, return to the country, go abroad again or continue to contribute through international networks. In this way, it cannot be said that they have fled the country or that they lack patriotism. Therefore, the main question is not ‘will they return or not?’, but rather ‘how to create an environment that keeps them connected to the development of the nation wherever they are?’ The priority should be the issue of ‘how to create an environment that keeps them connected to the development of the nation wherever they are.’
The forms of contribution have changed in today’s digital age. Even while living abroad, Nepali youth can contribute to the development of the country through remote work, startup investment, mentorship, and skill exchange. The irony is that Nepal lacks the structure and policy to implement such issues. Even youth who have returned after learning skills abroad face systemic obstacles when trying to use their skills and experience in the country. They have to deal with the problem of rigid administrative structures, procedural webs, and middlemen. This increases their frustration.
Ultimately, today's debate should not be about 'staying in the country or going abroad?' but rather about 'how to stay connected to the country?'. Instead of trying to stop its youth, the country should create an environment where they can connect meaningfully with the country wherever they are.
(Niraula is a law student)
