Is the brain drain strengthening or weakening the middle classes in the Maghreb countries?

Abstract

The migration of high-level workers has both an economic and a social cost, with the paradoxical effect of strengthening or weakening the middle
classes, the showcase of social success in the Maghreb countries. Since 2000, the brain drain from the Maghreb has been on rise, doctors
and engineers being the first to go. There are many reasons for this. In turn, this brain drain has an impact on the social structure, with the
middle classes falling out of tracks. Remittances are at an all-time low. The return of skills remains a myth.
The impact is more perceptible in Algeria. The limitations of Algerian economic strategy are reflected in the persistence of the informal economy,
rising unemployment among young graduates, combined with waiting jobs and deskilling, which are one main reasons cited for migration to other
countries, in the hope of stabilisation on the social ladder. The intention to migrate skills remains a constant for the Maghreb and Mashreq countries.