CONCEPTUALIZING MIGRATION WITH AN EMPHASIS ON MACEDONIA TRENDS, PATTERNS AND SOLUTIONS
Migration as a multifaceted phenomenon that exists in all countries of the world, in recent years has increased and intensified in Macedonia. Thus research into the trends, patterns, and determinants of Macedonians migration is of a high importance. This paper conceptualizes the notion of migration with a particular emphasis on the situation of Macedonia, by investigating the causes of such movements and the associated demographic, political, economic, social and psychological impact, in order to understand the dynamics and complexities of migration in Macedonia and provide solutions to the problem. Methodologically this is a qualitative research based on the existing literature review and analysis of media reports covered in traditional and newer forms of media focusing on aspects of migration. The analysis has shown that there are many reasons and factors that stimulate and motivate migration, such as improving financial circumstances due to high unemployment rates and low wages, educational purposes, being attracted by relatives who are already abroad, social networks and couples meeting and coming together through social networks and so on. One major concern and a serious constraint on the development of Macedonia remains the ‘brain drain’, migration of highly qualified and skilled individuals, mainly health professionals, engineers, but also craftsman and artisans, from Macedonia to Western countries especially to Germany. Another picture that shows the high level of migration is the significant decrease in the number of pupils in primary and secondary schools. The data resulting from various surveys point to the fact that the vast majority of students and even university professors wish and intend to move abroad, furthermore with a tendency not to return to Macedonia. In this context, the government has made some efforts to prevent and deter the drainage of the specialized staff in different fields. However, those efforts have shown inadequate and the data derived from various researches provide very worrying statistics. This paper seeks to use the body of the available data and research to contribute to creative and sustainable solutions to the problem, by providing instructions for minimizing this phenomenon through implementing appropriate measures and programs, so that the current migration that is affecting Macedonia has no long-term consequences.