Critical workers are quitting in South Africa – here’s where they’re going

South Africa is witnessing a steady exodus of critical healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, driven by challenges in the local healthcare system and lured by promising opportunities abroad.

Countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and Portugal have become the top destinations for these professionals, offering competitive salaries, better working conditions, and pathways for career growth.

Key factors influencing this migration include South Africa’s uncertain healthcare landscape, particularly surrounding the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.

Many doctors and nurses are apprehensive about how the NHI will affect their livelihoods and the overall healthcare system.

This uncertainty, coupled with longstanding issues like unsafe working conditions, limited professional advancement opportunities, and low pay, has prompted many to seek stability elsewhere.

Canada, for instance, has become a prime destination.

Statistics Canada reveals that between January 2020 and July 2024, the country issued 7,781 temporary work permits to South Africans, with approximately 600 of these allocated to healthcare professionals.

Of these, around 350 were specialists, including cardiologists, neurologists, and emergency physicians.

Immigration consultants have noted a sharp increase in inquiries from South African healthcare workers, with Beaver Immigration reporting a 50% rise in interest since early 2023.

Experts predict this trend will accelerate in the coming years, with 200 healthcare professionals expected to migrate to Canada in 2024 alone.

Canada’s appeal lies in its structured healthcare recruitment, robust demand for skilled professionals, and proactive visa policies.

The country has long faced healthcare shortages, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

By recruiting internationally trained professionals, including those from South Africa, Canada aims to bolster its medical workforce, especially in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, where most South African expats reside.

The United Kingdom has similarly intensified its efforts to attract healthcare workers.

The UK is grappling with significant skills shortages, driven by the effects of Brexit, an ageing population, and the aftermath of the pandemic.

Official data highlights that one-third of UK job vacancies stem from skill gaps, with healthcare being one of the most critical sectors.

South African doctors and nurses, renowned for their rigorous training and ability to manage diverse healthcare challenges, are in high demand.

England’s census data indicates that over 217,000 South African-born individuals live in England and Wales, making the UK a familiar and welcoming destination for migrants.

In the United States, healthcare shortages are also acute.

The Bureau of Labour Statistics projects a 13% growth in healthcare jobs from 2022 to 2032, particularly in roles like registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians.

South African professionals are highly sought after due to their expertise and adaptability.

To facilitate their migration, the US government has streamlined visa processes, offering expedited approvals and job placement assistance.

These efforts have made the US an attractive option for South African healthcare workers seeking better pay and career opportunities.

Australia, another favoured destination, is experiencing critical shortages in skilled professions.

According to its 2023 Jobs and Skills Report, nearly 48% of professional occupations face shortages.

Healthcare tops this list, with Australia actively recruiting foreign medical professionals to address gaps in its system.

South Africans find Australia appealing due to its high quality of life, familiar climate, and significant expatriate community.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that over 214,000 South Africans now call Australia home.

Portugal is also emerging as a key destination for healthcare workers.

Facing an ageing population and a shortage of medical professionals, especially in rural areas, the country has opened its doors to foreign workers.

Portugal offers competitive incentives for healthcare professionals willing to address its healthcare needs.

Eurostat data highlights the urgency of this issue, with 24% of Portugal’s population now aged 65 or older.

The global demand for skilled healthcare workers is intensifying, and South African professionals are uniquely positioned to fill these roles.

Known for their extensive training and experience in challenging conditions, they bring invaluable expertise to healthcare systems worldwide.

However, their departure leaves South Africa grappling with a deepening crisis, as the country faces the dual challenge of retaining talent and addressing its own systemic shortcomings.

The migration of these critical workers underscores the global competition for skilled healthcare professionals and raises pressing questions about the sustainability of South Africa’s healthcare system.

Read: Over 1,300 businesses liquidated in South Africa in 2024