The global mobility rate has never been higher as it is today compared to 30 years ago, when the world was healing from the reeling effects of post-World War II and subsequent pressure from the Cold War.
The shifting immigration laws, particularly in the Global North, have suitably accelerated and shaped the current mobility trends. However, the global south still blames a lack of good faith and massive disloyalty in reciprocity.
The global north’s expanding markets and rapidly aging workforce, which hint at an impending economic collapse, have also contributed to the 21st century’s wave of transnational talent movement. For this matter, most countries like the UK and Canada had to ease their immigration policies to many countries.
Last month, Kenya and Germany signed a talent exportation agreement, which would allow an unspecified number but only German-local policy-compliant Kenyans to work in Germany on skilled, semi-skilled, and even student visas.
Some of the common talent mobilities that have directly coupled the recent wave are skilled talent migration, higher-level study, and employment. It’s worth noting that migration has vastly contributed to cultural exchange, science, and technological advancement in many countries.
Today, only a few African countries have managed to build a moderate reputation on the global map despite revising their visa policies and opening their borders to developed economies. However, domestic politics and poor diplomatic development have also crippled their ability to attract many foreigners.
The continent is a major tourist destination for millions of foreigners, jostling as tourists on a year-on-year trend. One of the greatest risks devastating Africa in the 21st century is the rampant and fast-spreading terrorism, most common in West and Eastern Africa.
While strongly chiding the developed economies for failing to honor and reciprocate, many Africans still need passports to visit other African countries, which is a huge barrier to regional integration and economic posterity. Today, South Africa is accessible to a staggering 106 countries and one of the friendliest countries.
South Africa holds the strongest passport and is ranked 48th on the Global Passport Ranking by the Henley Passport Index in 2024. South Africa is a fast-developing economy with diverse people and cultural heritage on display.
Botswana, Lesotho, and Lesotho are ranked 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in that order in Africa. Henley’s Passport Index has, however, ranked these countries at positions 57th, 62nd, and 63rd globally, respectively.
Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia have the least ranking and are among the weakest in the world. Both have been ranked at positions 97th, 100th, and 101st globally.
