The Zimbabwean
A few days after Malawi’s minister of internal affairs Aaron Sangala (pictured)
said citizens who leave the country to seek a better life abroad are
“unpatriotic” the 2009 United Nations Human Development Index has
revealed that Malawians in Diaspora have contributed over
$1million(over K140 million) to the economy through remittances.
Human Development Report (HDR) was launched on Wednesday by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP in Lilongwe.
“In
2007, Malawians living away from home contributed US $ 1million in
remittances (about MK 141 million). The remittances are sent to
immediate family members, but the benefits spread broadly into the
Malawian economy,” reads a statement from the UN body.
Speaking
during the official launch of the report entitled “Overcoming Barriers
: Human Mobility and Development,” UNDP Resident Coordinator, Richard
Dictus said Malawi and other poor developing countries can achieve
large gains to human development if they among other things reduce
obstacles to movement and improve lives of migrants.
“But
movement of people especially skilled labour in search of better
remuneration has resulted in human resources emergency in the health
sector in Malawi,” he pointed out.
“The issue of brain drain,
especially regarding skilled personnel such as doctors and nurses is
not only a concern for Malawi, but other developing countries too,”
said Dictus.
Migration can be a vital strategy for households and families seeking to diversify and improve their livelihoods, he observed.
“Large
gains to human development can be achieved by lowering barriers to
movement and improving the treatment of movers. A bold vision is needed
to realize these gains,” UN diplomat said.
The HDR highlights that Malawi has made some upward achievements an increase in life expectancy of over 52 years.
The
country moved one step up on the HDI from 161 to 160 with 0.493 points
out of 181 countries but with less than 0.500 points is still among
countries with low human development.
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