Somalia Seeks to Reverse Brain Drain with Return of Experts

Somalia Seeks to Reverse Brain Drain with Return of Experts
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Following years of armed conflict, climate crises, and economic stagnation, Somalia has faced a widespread brain drain as many of its professionals and experts have left the country. This trend has resulted in a critical loss of the knowledge and experience needed to address the nation’s most pressing challenges.

In an effort to reverse this trend, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched the “Migration for Development” program. The initiative works to identify members of the Somali diaspora and place them in key positions within hospitals, schools, government ministries, and other institutions. The goal is to leverage their skills and expertise for the country’s development.

Over the past two decades, more than 400 individuals from 17 different countries have returned to Somalia through the program, working in fields such as education, health, urban planning, and law. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in accelerating the country’s progress toward stability and reconstruction.