A recent survey has revealed that a significant majority of young people in Mauritius are eager to leave the country, with 76% of 18-25-year-olds expressing a desire to emigrate. This trend is particularly concerning, given that 44,000 young people in Mauritius are currently neither in employment, education, nor training. The issue was raised in Parliament on October 27, with Adrien Duval questioning the government's approach to financing youth employment programs.
In response to Duval's query, the Prime Minister stated that "we cannot afford to subsidize everything in this country." This statement has sparked widespread debate, as it highlights the government's reluctance to invest in youth employment initiatives. Mauritius is already facing a rapidly aging population, with a fertility rate of 1.34, compared to the required 2.1. The country has 257,600 people over the age of 60, and the Basic Retirement Pension accounts for a significant portion of the budget, costing Rs 55 billion.
The issue of youth emigration is particularly poignant, given the significant investment that the Mauritian government makes in educating its young people. From primary school to university, the government spends between Rs 1.5 million and Rs 2 million per child on education, healthcare, and transportation. However, when these young people complete their education and are ready to contribute to the economy, many choose to leave Mauritius and work in other countries, such as Canada, Australia, or France.
This trend has led to accusations that Mauritius is acting as a "factory" for producing graduates for other countries. The government pays for the education and training of its young people, only to have them emigrate and contribute to the economies of other nations. This phenomenon is particularly concerning, given that it represents a significant loss of investment and potential economic growth for Mauritius.
The consequences of ignoring the needs of young people in Mauritius are far-reaching and have been seen in other countries. In Italy, for example, 97,000 young graduates have emigrated in the past decade, many of whom are now paying taxes in Germany. Similarly, Japan and South Korea are facing significant challenges related to their aging populations, with Japan closing 400 schools per year due to a lack of children.
In contrast, some countries have implemented policies aimed at supporting their young people and encouraging them to stay. In Denmark, for example, the government pays 50% of the salary of young people in employment for 12 months, with 85% remaining in work. Similarly, in Sweden, young people under the age of 25 who have been unemployed for 90 days are automatically offered a job guarantee.
To address the issue of youth emigration and support the development of its young people, Mauritius could consider implementing similar policies. This could include providing subsidies or incentives for businesses to hire young people, or offering training and education programs that are tailored to the needs of the labor market.
Key points
- 76% of 18-25-year-olds in Mauritius want to leave the country.
- 44,000 young people in Mauritius are currently neither in employment, education, nor training.
- The Mauritian government spends between Rs 1.5 million and Rs 2 million per child on education, healthcare, and transportation.
