Why Are Young People Leaving to Work Abroad?

An increasing number of young people around the world are choosing to leave their home countries to work abroad — a trend that has intensified in recent years. From Europe to Asia, young adults are increasingly on the move, motivated by a complex mix of economic, social and personal factors. Analysts and policymakers worry about the implications for source countries, including labour shortages and “brain drain,” while destination nations benefit from fresh talent and diversity.

Economic Pressures and Job Market Challenges

One of the most powerful drivers pushing young people to seek work overseas is economic insecurity at home, especially where jobs are scarce or poorly paid. Across many regions, youth unemployment rates remain high relative to older adults, leaving young workers frustrated and uncertain about their future prospects. For example, data from the UK suggests that many young workers are considering life and work abroad because they feel their standard of living is worse than that of their parents’ generation, with low wages and limited job prospects topping the list of concerns.

In parts of Europe such as Portugal and Slovenia, low salaries, housing shortages and weak career opportunities have been highlighted as key causes for young workers moving abroad. In Portugal, roughly 30 % of people aged 15 to 39 have emigrated in recent years, often in pursuit of better wages and economic stability.

Housing Affordability and Quality of Life

Closely tied to economic motivation is the pursuit of a better quality of life, particularly when high housing costs make independence difficult. In Ireland, for instance, studies have found that the housing crisis is a major factor driving young people to contemplate working overseas, with 84 % of under-25s saying housing affordability disproportionately affects them and contributes to a sense of hopelessness about building a future at home.

Similarly, young people in the Netherlands and other parts of Western Europe cite housing stress and demographic pressures as significant factors. Nearly half of young Dutch 18- to 30-year-olds have considered emigrating because of these kinds of structural issues.

Educational and Career Development Opportunities

For many young workers, career aspirations and professional growth play a central role in the decision to go abroad. In parts of the Balkans and other regions with limited local opportunities, students and graduates are increasingly pursuing higher education and advanced careers overseas, believing that foreign institutions and industries provide superior training, research opportunities and professional advancement.

This trend is evident in countries where brain drain has become a concern — with young professionals leaving due to a mismatch between their qualifications and available jobs at home, compounded by fears over stagnating wages and limited prospects.

Inflation, Cost of Living and Economic Instability

In some countries, broader economic turbulence — such as high inflation and surging living costs — has accelerated youth emigration. In Turkey, for example, students report that everyday expenses like housing and food have become increasingly difficult to manage, leading many young adults to consider moving abroad for both study and work in search of financial stability.

Such patterns are not unique; in many parts of the world, young populations feel overwhelmed by rising prices and weak job markets, believing that working abroad may offer a more secure, predictable livelihood.

Perceived Better Opportunities Abroad

Another powerful pull factor is the perception of better opportunities overseas — including higher salaries, improved benefits, and access to global networks. In the UK, for instance, data shows that a significant proportion of young people would consider working outside the country if it meant experiencing stronger career prospects or higher living standards.

Destinations such as Dubai and other Gulf states have seen growing interest from young British and European workers, drawn by tax-free income, employer-sponsored benefits and lifestyle perks. This reflects how attractive certain international job markets can be to ambitious young professionals facing stagnation at home.

Social Media and the Desire for New Experiences

Beyond economic rationales, social and cultural motivations also play a role. Exposure to global lifestyles through social media has helped young people visualise life outside their home country, reinforcing desires for adventure, travel and personal development. Stories of digital nomads working from exotic locations or urban professionals building careers abroad contribute to a narrative that it’s both possible and desirable to pursue work internationally.

This trend ties into broader generational shifts, where young people increasingly prioritise not just traditional career paths, but experiences, international exposure, and personal growth.

Political and Institutional Factors

While economic drivers dominate, political and institutional conditions — such as governance quality, corruption and political instability — also influence decisions to emigrate. Although this is less well quantified in some regions, broader migration studies note that social and political pressures can be significant push factors, especially where young people feel limited by their home country’s policy environment.

In parts of Eastern Europe and beyond, political uncertainty contributes to young adults seeking work abroad not just for economics, but also for a more stable and predictable future.

Implications: Brain Drain and Demographic Shifts

The rising trend of young people working abroad has wide implications for countries experiencing significant youth departures. In some regions, brain drain — the loss of highly skilled young professionals — poses long-term challenges to innovation, healthcare and overall economic dynamism. Countries such as Italy and Portugal are actively discussing demographic shifts linked to youth emigration and how to counteract them.

At the same time, countries receiving young workers benefit from inflows of talent and labour, often filling sectors where there are shortages at home. This, however, can widen global inequalities and create challenges in both origin and destination countries.

Policy Responses and Potential Solutions

To address youth emigration pressures, policymakers are focusing on strategies such as:

• Improving job creation and entrepreneurship support
• Addressing housing affordability
• Enhancing career development pathways domestically
• Strengthening social safety nets

In the EU, programs like the Youth Guarantee aim to provide employment and education opportunities to young adults — but experts argue that broader structural reforms are needed to create sustainable conditions that encourage young people to stay.

Conclusion: A Generation in Motion

The trend of young people leaving to work abroad reflects a combination of economic necessity, personal aspiration and global mobility. While it offers opportunities for individuals to build careers and experiences, it also highlights structural challenges in many societies that must be addressed to ensure balanced development and retain talent. As globalization continues to shape labour mobility, understanding and managing these trends remains a critical task for policymakers, educators and communities worldwide.