Even as Guyana continues to be recognised as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a new United Nations Development Programme report is warning about the country’s continuing brain drain.
The 2026 UNDP Regional Human Development Report for Latin America and the Caribbean says Guyana remains among countries experiencing significant levels of human capital flight.
Using data captured up to 2023, the report ranks Guyana 12th globally on the Human Flight and Brain Drain Index.
The report places Guyana alongside countries such as Haiti, Jamaica and Venezuela, all of which have been identified as facing serious migration of skilled and educated citizens.
According to the UNDP, migration across the region has contributed to labour shortages in key sectors including health and education, while also affecting long-term national development.
The report explains that brain drain occurs when highly trained and skilled individuals leave their home countries in search of better economic opportunities, stronger institutions, and improved living conditions abroad.
The findings are significant for Guyana, which has recorded rapid economic expansion in recent years driven largely by offshore oil production.
However, the UNDP warns that sustained emigration of skilled workers could undermine development if countries are unable to retain human capital needed to support growth and strengthen institutions.
The report also links migration trends to governance concerns, insecurity, institutional weaknesses and limited opportunities.