Emigration of medical doctors from Zimbabwe: Migrant experiences, transnational linkages and prospects for diasporic engagement

The thesis examines the extent to which Zimbabwe can benefit from its emigrant medical doctors. The thesis shifts the discussion of migration of skilled professionals such as medical doctors from an approach which focuses exclusively on the negative impacts of migration to one which acknowledges the potential gains that result from migration. The thesis adopted a mixed methods approach involving a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews to demonstrate the current and future roles of Zimbabwe's medical diaspora in the country's health delivery system.;The migrant experiences of the medical doctors are situated within the dominant discourses in migration theory. These include the remittances which they send, return migration and participation in diaspora engagement initiatives. The study demonstrates that the medical doctors' intention to return is quite low, even with the return to political and economic stability in Zimbabwe. It also shows that the intention to return to Zimbabwe varies with the degree of integration in the host country. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of the medical doctors send remittances to Zimbabwe. The remittances have been crucial to the survival of their families in Zimbabwe. However, the results of the study raise questions on the potential of remittances to initiate development in Zimbabwe. The diaspora option holds a lot of promise for Zimbabwe. Initiatives such as short-term returns, technical assistance and telemedicine are likely to benefit Zimbabwe's healthcare system. Interest in participating in diaspora engagement initiatives is related to both the pre- and post-migration experiences of the medical doctors.;The thesis results have important theoretical, methodological and policy implications for addressing the migration of skilled professionals such as medical doctors from developing countries. The thesis contributes to the understanding of the factors influencing the participation of migrants in their home country's development activities.;Keywords: diaspora; medical doctors; remittances; return migration; transnationalism; South Africa; Zimbabwe.;The results of the study, while showing the importance of economic and political factors in influencing the decision to migrate, showed that migration is situated within the everyday experiences of the medical doctors. Dissatisfaction with career advancement opportunities in Zimbabwe and the success of previous migrants are some of the factors leading to the migration of medical doctors from Zimbabwe.