Why is Turkey Experiencing a Brain Drain? A Look into the Exodus of Talent in 2025

Understanding the Economic, Social, and Political Factors Driving Turkey’s Brightest Minds Abroad

What is Brain Drain, and Why Does it Matter?

Brain drain refers to the emigration of highly skilled and educated individuals from one country to another. It’s a phenomenon that can leave a significant gap in the home country’s economic and intellectual landscape while benefiting the host nations. In Turkey, this trend has accelerated alarmingly in recent years, with thousands of doctors, engineers, academics, and IT professionals leaving annually in search of better opportunities.

The question on everyone’s mind is: why are so many talented individuals fleeing Turkey, and what does this mean for the country’s future?

The Numbers Behind the Trend

Recent studies reveal that more than 50% of Turkish citizens, regardless of political affiliation, express a desire to emigrate. Among certain demographics, such as younger generations and educated professionals, this figure rises to a staggering 75%. Between 2015 and 2023, the number of university graduates leaving Turkey increased by 25%, a clear indicator of growing dissatisfaction and uncertainty.

These emigrants are not just leaving for any destination. The United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom are among the most popular choices. Each of these countries offers stability, opportunity, and quality of life, drawing skilled professionals who feel disillusioned by the conditions in Turkey.

Economic Push and Pull Factors

The economic reasons driving Turkey’s brain drain are clear:

• High Inflation and Economic Instability: With skyrocketing inflation and unpredictable policies, planning for the future in Turkey has become increasingly difficult.
• Poor Working Conditions: Long hours, low pay, and a lack of job security push many, particularly in sectors like healthcare and technology, to seek better conditions abroad.
• Limited Opportunities for Growth: Many professionals believe their industries are underdeveloped or constrained by bureaucracy, corruption, or lack of investment.
• On the other hand, countries like the UK and the US attract these professionals with:
• Higher Salaries and Better Job Security: Skilled workers, especially in medicine, engineering, and IT, can earn significantly more abroad.
• Predictable and Transparent Policies: Professionals know what to expect when starting businesses or making long-term investments.
• Access to World-Class Education and Research: Opportunities for further study and innovation are abundant in developed nations.

The Social and Political Dimension

Beyond economic concerns, there are significant social and political reasons behind Turkey’s brain drain:

• Erosion of Freedoms: Restrictions on freedom of speech, press, and assembly, along with widespread surveillance, create an environment where individuals feel unsafe or unable to express themselves freely.
• Corruption and Lack of Accountability: Many professionals leave because they feel justice is unevenly applied, and corruption is endemic.
• Identity-Based Discrimination: Discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation leaves many feeling unwelcome in their own country.

Why the UK is a Top Destination for Turkish Professionals

The United Kingdom has long been a popular destination for Turkish migrants, but the dynamics have shifted significantly in recent years.

• Pre-Brexit Era: The Ankara Agreement Before Brexit, many Turkish professionals and entrepreneurs took advantage of the Ankara Agreement, which allowed self-employed individuals to establish businesses in the UK. This period saw a wave of Turkish citizens moving to the UK, particularly those with a strong entrepreneurial drive.
• Post-Brexit and Pandemic Migration While Brexit brought an end to the Ankara Agreement, the UK remains a key destination for skilled Turkish workers, particularly in healthcare and technology. The NHS, facing severe staff shortages, has actively recruited young Turkish doctors and nurses, offering competitive salaries and secure working conditions. Similarly, the introduction of the Skilled Worker visa has enabled UK companies to hire Turkish professionals, especially in fields like IT, engineering, and finance.
• Education as a Gateway A significant number of Turkish students also choose the UK for higher education. British universities remain a top choice for Turkish families, as they offer globally recognised qualifications and better career prospects. Many students stay in the UK after graduation, transitioning into professional roles under the Skilled Worker visa programme.

The Cost of Brain Drain for Turkey

The economic and social impact of brain drain on Turkey cannot be overstated. Here are three major consequences:

• Loss of Investment in Education: Educating a doctor or engineer is a significant financial investment for the state. When these professionals emigrate, the benefits of this investment are reaped by other countries.
• Decline in Economic Contribution: Skilled workers contribute to the economy not only through their labour but also as consumers and taxpayers. Their absence weakens Turkey’s economy.
• Missed Opportunities for Innovation: The departure of highly skilled individuals means fewer innovations, slower technological advancement, and reduced competitiveness on the global stage.

What Needs to Change?

To reverse the brain drain, Turkey must address its root causes:

• Restore Stability: Implementing transparent and predictable policies would encourage professionals to stay and invest in their futures at home.
• Support Freedoms and Justice: Building a fair, corruption-free society where rights are respected is essential to regaining the trust of citizens.
• Invest in Opportunities: Providing better funding for research, technology, and entrepreneurship could create the opportunities professionals currently seek abroad.

Final Thoughts: Can Brain Drain Be Reversed?

Brain drain is not always a permanent loss. Countries like India and China have successfully implemented policies to attract their skilled diaspora back home. However, for Turkey to achieve this, it must first become a country where people feel safe, valued, and optimistic about their future.

The UK, with its opportunities in education, healthcare, and skilled migration pathways, will likely continue to attract Turkish talent. While this benefits the UK economy, it also underscores the urgent need for Turkey to address its structural challenges and create an environment where its brightest minds want to stay—or even return.

Would you like an accompanying graphic or a breakdown of migration statistics to complement the article?