Successful Strategies for Attracting Global Talent Back Home By Pastor Bayo Beckley

Homeward Bound:

Successful Strategies for Attracting Global Talent Back Home

To attract Nigerians back home voluntarily and mitigate the risks of forced deportation under the Trump administration within the next 12 months, the Nigerian government should implement urgent, targeted measures that make returning to Nigeria a viable and appealing option.

1. Immediate Economic Incentives

Reintegration Grants: Provide financial support, such as startup grants or business loans, to returnees to encourage entrepreneurship and investment.

Tax Holidays: Offer tax breaks or waivers for a fixed period to returning professionals or business owners.

Job Placement Programs:

Partner with private-sector companies to create job opportunities tailored for skilled and semi-skilled returnees.

2. Diaspora Engagement and Support

Special Returnee Programs: Set up a task force dedicated to assisting Nigerians returning from the U.S., with a focus on smooth reintegration into society.

Awareness Campaigns: Launch campaigns in U.S. cities to educate Nigerians about opportunities and benefits awaiting them in Nigeria.

Partnership with Diaspora Groups:

Collaborate with Nigerian organizations abroad to ease the return process, providing emotional and logistical support.

3. Accelerated Economic and Infrastructure Development

Focus on Key Sectors Invest in industries like technology, agriculture, and creative arts that can absorb the skills of returnees.

Infrastructural Improvements

Prioritize projects in healthcare, power, and transportation to create a more livable environment.

Special Housing Schemes: Develop affordable housing schemes specifically for returnees to ensure basic needs are met upon return.

4. Security and Governance

Boost Security Measures:

Address pressing security concerns such as insurgency and communal violence to assure returnees of their safety.

Anti-Corruption Drive: Take bold steps to improve transparency and governance, rebuilding trust in national institutions.

5. Diplomatic Engagement with the U.S

Negotiate for Voluntary Repatriation: Work with U.S. authorities to organize dignified voluntary return programs instead of forced deportations.

Consular Support: Strengthen Nigerian consulates in the U.S. to assist citizens with legal challenges and provide advisory services.

6. Highlight Success Stories

Share the experiences of Nigerians who have successfully returned and thrived in the country to inspire confidence in potential returnees.

7. Emergency Return Plan

Fast-Track Policy Implementation: Roll out initiatives quickly to capitalize on the urgency of the situation.

Collaboration with Private Sector:

Engage corporations and international organizations to co-fund programs aimed at reintegration.

Turning Brain Drain into Brain Gain: Strategies That Work

Several countries have successfully implemented strategies to encourage their expatriates to return home, leading to significant economic and social benefits. Here are some notable examples:

1. Romania Strategy: Romania has experienced a notable return of expatriates, particularly those trained in high-tech sectors. This trend gained momentum around 2022, with the number of returnees surpassing those emigrating. The government, along with private initiatives, has played a role in facilitating this return.

Success Stories:

Sebastian Burduja: After studying at Stanford and Harvard and working at the World Bank in Washington, Burduja returned to Romania in 2016. He became actively involved in politics and, by 2022, was appointed Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digitalization, later taking over the Ministry of Energy. His return exemplifies the impact of skilled expatriates contributing to national development.

Repatriot Program: This initiative offers grants to support returning entrepreneurs, fostering a conducive environment for innovation and business development. The burgeoning start-up scene, highlighted by events like the “How to Web” conference, further underscores Romania’s commitment to integrating returnees into its growing tech ecosystem.

2. Ireland Strategy: Ireland launched the Back for Business program to encourage Irish expatriates to return and become entrepreneurs. The state-funded initiative provides training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support early-stage businesses.

Success Stories:

Program Impact: Participants in the program have reported significant growth, with early-stage entrepreneurs increasing their turnover by 107% and expanding their workforce by 76%. This success demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in harnessing the potential of returnees to stimulate economic development.

3. China Strategy:

To counteract brain drain, China implemented the “Thousand Talents Plan,” targeting Chinese citizens with international doctoral degrees. The program offers substantial research grants and housing allowances to incentivize these individuals to return for full-time work.

Success Stories:

Academic Repatriation: The initiative has successfully attracted top scholars in science and engineering back to Chinese universities, bolstering the country’s research capabilities and *contributing to its advancement in various high-tech fields.

4. Portugal Strategy:

Portugal introduced the “Programa Regressar” (Return Program) to encourage skilled expatriates to return. The program offers tax incentives, relocation assistance, and support for reintegration into the Portuguese labor market.

Success Stories

Economic Reintegration: The program has facilitated the return of numerous Portuguese professionals, aiding in addressing skill shortages and contributing to economic growth. The initiative underscores the importance of targeted incentives in reversing brain drain trends.

These examples illustrate how targeted strategies can effectively encourage expatriates to return, bringing valuable skills and experiences that contribute to national development.

SUMMARY

By focusing on these immediate and strategic actions, the Nigerian government can create an environment that is conducive to voluntary return while ensuring dignity and opportunity for its citizens.

Pastor Bayo Beckley

MSc, Acib, ACA