Thousands of Bhutanese migrate in search of greener pastures

New Delhi: The Bhutanese newspaper, Kuensel recently highlighted a growing concern in the country regarding the increasing number of Bhutanese youth migrating to foreign countries for study and employment opportunities. This trend, coupled with a declining fertility rate and an ageing population, raises worries for Bhutan, often regarded as the world's happiest nation, as it could potentially hinder the country's overall growth and development, casting a shadow over its prospects.

One significant consequence of this phenomenon is the shortage of skilled professionals in various sectors, including civil servants, doctors, nurses, and teachers. Many individuals are resigning from their positions in government and private jobs, searching for a better quality of life and higher earnings abroad.

Australia has become a popular destination among the most educated Bhutanese youth, with over 12,000 individuals settled there. Remarkably, within the past nine months until March 2023, approximately 10,000 Bhutanese individuals obtained Australian visas—a significant figure considering Bhutan's population is around 770,000. The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that the number of Bhutanese residing in Australia doubled from 5,953 in 2016 to approximately 12,000 in 2021. Moreover, the rate of Bhutanese migration to Australia saw a steady increase over the years, with 1,579 arrivals between 2001 and 2010, 3,290 between 2011 and 2015, and 6,993 between 2016 and 2021.

The repercussions of this migration trend are palpable within Bhutan. Statistics from the Royal Civil Service Commission indicate that 1,462 civil servants voluntarily resigned during the fiscal year 2021-22, equating to an attrition rate of 4.6 per cent. Similarly, in the previous fiscal year, 779 civil servants resigned, with 58.9 per cent leaving voluntarily. The health and education sectors have also been significantly impacted, experiencing attrition rates of 7.5 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively, at the beginning of this year. Notably, between January and May of this year, 531 teachers resigned, with 416 resignations being voluntary. In 2022, a total of 478 teachers left; of those, 307 were voluntary. Urban areas are particularly affected, as most teachers hail from these regions.

The shortage of medical personnel is also becoming increasingly apparent, with fifteen nurses resigning in January alone and 374 nurses leaving their positions between 2019 and 2022. Bhutan is already grappling with a deficit of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, exacerbating the strain on the healthcare system. The scarcity of workforce is now being felt across all sectors and organizations in the country.

Bhutan's fertility rate is declining

Bhutan is facing a significant concern as its fertility rate continues to decline and its population ages, compounded by many Bhutanese citizens leaving the country in large numbers. The fertility rate, which stood at six children per woman in 1982, dropped to 1.9 in 2017 and decreased to 1.8 last year. This figure falls below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating a gradual reduction in the population over time.

A study by the Asian Development Bank highlights that Bhutan's first demographic dividend, characterized by a favourable working-age population ratio to dependents ratio, is expected to last until 2038. However, beyond this point, the demographic dividend is projected to decline steadily and transform into a demographic tax as the share of the working-age population diminishes. The bank predicts that the declining support ratio will lead to an increase in the proportion of the population aged 65 and above, rising from 2.8 per cent in 1990 to 6.9 per cent in 2025 and potentially surpassing 15 per cent by 2050.

Over the next 25 years, the number of older persons in Bhutan aged 65 years and above is expected to double. From a count of 50,715 individuals in 2022, the figure is projected to reach 118,650 persons by 2047.

The departure of numerous Bhutanese citizens for opportunities abroad raises concerns about decreased economic activity and productivity. Should a large number of civil servants leave following the proposed salary revision, it could exacerbate the challenges faced by the nation.

The worrying aspect of this trend is not only the loss of citizens with specialized skills in fields such as engineering, medicine, education, and information technology but also the fact that many young and economically active individuals are migrating or planning to migrate. These individuals have the potential to contribute significantly to the development of Bhutan's productive economy.

Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach to encouraging citizens to stay and contribute to their homeland. Policies and initiatives focused on retaining skilled professionals, providing favourable working conditions, and promoting economic growth and development opportunities are crucial to mitigate the potential negative impact of the declining fertility rate and the exodus of young Bhutanese. By creating an environment that nurtures talent and fosters economic prosperity, Bhutan can strive towards maintaining a healthy and balanced population while leveraging the skills and aspirations of its citizens for the country's sustainable future.