Assessing the feasibility of high-skilled Bahamian migrants returning and contributing to Bahamian national development
Continuation of brain drain research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15362/ijbs.v32i1.653Keywords:
Return migration, Migration, Brain drain, National developmentAbstract
Research on migration has primarily focused on the factors that motivate individuals to leave their countries of origin, with considerably less attention given to the factors influencing return migration. Despite the long history of migration to The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean region, limited research has examined the feasibility of return migration among highly skilled Bahamians. This study explores the feasibility of return migration among highly educated Bahamians and assesses their interest in contributing to national development. Using an anonymous survey, the study analyzes responses from more than 100 native Bahamians residing in multiple countries. Findings indicate that higher education, career advancement and quality-of-life considerations remain the primary drivers of emigration. However, respondents also reported strong cultural ties to The Bahamas, sustained relationships with family and community and a continued commitment to supporting the nation's development. Participants demonstrated a transnational orientation, maintaining meaningful connections to their homeland while building lives abroad. The findings suggest that strengthening diaspora engagement, expanding opportunities for skilled return migration and developing policies that facilitate the transfer of knowledge, expertise and professional networks could advance national development. This study contributes to the limited scholarship on Bahamian skilled migration by highlighting the diaspora as a strategic resource for economic and social development.
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