Migration of Bhutan’s educated youth and skilled professionals has become a growing concern for the Royal Government of Bhutan and international partners, according to a new World Bank report released today.
Titled Migration Dynamics in Bhutan: Recent Trends, Drivers, and Implications, the report builds on discussions from the South Asia Mobility Conference held in Thimphu in May 2024. It provides a detailed analysis of recent emigration trends, especially to Australia, profiling current and aspiring migrants, identifying key drivers behind these movements, and offering policy recommendations for the government’s consideration.
“Bhutan’s high levels of outbound migration reflect both rising aspirations and the urgent need to expand domestic job opportunities in the private sector,” said Xavier Furtado, World Bank Group Country Manager for Bhutan. “Policymakers can address these challenges by accelerating reforms to create better jobs in critical public services and the private sector, while managing migration to minimize skills losses and maximize benefits through training, pre-departure support, and reintegration programs.”
The report highlights that migrants tend to be younger and significantly more educated than the general population, with 53 percent holding university degrees compared to about 7 percent of the working-age population. Nearly half of all migrants come from the civil service, particularly the education and health sectors. In 2024, almost 70 percent of voluntary civil service resignations came from these two areas, underscoring the risk of eroding Bhutan’s human capital at a time when it is most needed.
“While migration is unlikely to stop, it can be better managed,” said Jumana Alaref, World Bank Senior Economist and co-author of the report. “Policies that strengthen civil service retention, expand training and certification in critical fields, and support migrants throughout the migration cycle—from departure to return—will help Bhutan safeguard its development achievements.”
COVID-19 has exacerbated labor-market challenges, with unemployment rising to 6 percent in 2022, and higher rates among urban women (15 percent) and highly educated workers (12 percent). Inadequate earnings and limited career progression in public sector roles contributed to the surge in migration. Most migrants earned less than Nu 40,000 per month in Bhutan, while earning at least Nu 60,000 in Australia. Attractive Australian education opportunities, favorable visa policies, and established diaspora networks further incentivize migration, with 13,406 Bhutanese students enrolled in Australian universities between January and September 2024.
The report notes that many migrants and potential migrants are willing to return or reconsider moving abroad if local wages improve, although their expected minimum wages often exceed what the domestic labor market can offer, with some seeking salaries above Nu 100,000 per month.
Based on a 2024 household phone survey covering 1,208 households, administrative data, and international sources, the study provides a comprehensive view of migration patterns, motivations, and the challenges and opportunities they present.
To manage migration sustainably, Bhutan will need to expand opportunities in the private sector, implement civil service reforms to enhance job satisfaction and career growth, and strengthen skills through education, training, and certification systems. Equally important is providing support throughout the migration cycle, including accurate pre-departure information, robust reintegration programs for returnees, and engagement with the country’s growing diaspora. Together, these measures can help Bhutan minimize potential costs while maximizing the long-term benefits of migration.
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