Background: The issue of international migration of health workers is controversial worldwide. Both the source and destination countries experience both negative and positive effects. Poaching of health workers from developing countries is a common accusation. This is due to the shortage of health workers in developed countries. There are many factors that can lead to health workers moving. The purpose of this study was to examine the reasons that a group from Nepalese health professionals migrated to the United Kingdom (UK). Method and Material: This qualitative study consisted of 15 semi-structured interviews conducted with six Nepalese doctors, and nine nurses, who had migrated from Nepal to the UK. The snowballing method was used to select the respondents. A thematic analysis was also used. Results: The main push factors were: low pay and conditions; political instability; poor work place security; lack of recognition; fear of being placed in remote or rural Nepali areas, unemployment, corruption and lack of skills development opportunities. These factors were: better access to the global labour market, higher pay, more opportunities, greater resources, and a higher standard of living. Peer-group influence and psychosocial factors were also important to Nepalese health workers who migrated to the UK. Conclusion: The increasing trend towards general migration of health workers is a factor in the migration of health workers to the UK. Only managed migration can be prevented by bilateral efforts and long-term policies.
0
