The Great Migration: Nurses Seek Better Prospects Abroad

In a startling trend, Malaysia’s public healthcare sector is experiencing a significant 'brain drain' — and it’s not just doctors who are leaving. Nurses are also heading overseas, drawn by lucrative opportunities in countries like Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

Financial Gains and Family Support

Take Ms. Devishree, a nurse from Kedah. She opted for Singapore over staying in Malaysia, enticed by the stronger Singapore dollar. "While I would earn about RM4,000 in Malaysia, I’m making S$3,000 here, which makes a significant difference," she shared. Her higher earnings have enabled her to support her sibling's education, a feat she believes wouldn’t have been possible had she remained in the Malaysian government healthcare sector.

Proximity and Opportunities

Devishree considered various options, including Australia, but ultimately chose Singapore for its proximity to home. "I can return to visit family much quicker," she explained.

Career Growth Abroad

Another nurse, Ms. Yap, echoed similar sentiments. She selected Singapore specifically for the career advancement opportunities it offers. "Nurses are in demand all over, especially in places like Singapore and Saudi Arabia. The enticing salaries and potential for higher earnings over time draw many Malaysians to these countries," she said.

Success Stories in Saudi Arabia

Nurse Ms. V. Sita is having a similar experience working in Jeddah. In just three years, her overseas salary allowed her to buy a house back in her hometown of Penang. "The tax-free income is a huge advantage. I earn 8,000 Saudi riyals (about S$2,715), which would have taken me much longer to accumulate back home," she remarked.

Workload and Benefits

Though Sita admits the workload is demanding, she believes the attractive salaries make the effort worthwhile. "Expatriate nurses also enjoy a paid vacation scheme, allowing for a good work-life balance," she said. Adjusting to life in Saudi Arabia has not posed much difficulty either, as her new home is rapidly becoming a popular hub for expatriates.

A Shocking Statistic

In a recent report, Malaysia’s Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that in 2023 alone, 2,445 nurses applied to work abroad. Impressively, 64% of these applications came from private sector nurses, while 36% were from the public sector.

As Malaysian healthcare continues to lose skilled professionals to foreign markets, the question remains: what can be done to keep these vital workers at home?