Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that there is no database or record being kept at the level of my Ministry regarding workers who left or who are leaving the country. Brain drain is usually driven by economic factors such a better job prospects, higher wages and the desire for a better standard of living. However, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the world is now a global village and with the ease of movement of people, there is a fierce competition for talents. So, instead of brain drain there is rather an exchange of skills across countries through both inward and outward migration. While Mauritians move abroad for better prospects, we are likewise benefitting from the services of skilled professional and unskilled foreign workers who are contributing to the development of the country. It should be acknowledged that the movement of workers can be beneficial through remittance offering currency and enhanced skills and global experience when the worker returns to the home country. However, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have the duty to ensure that our citizens do find suitable, productive employment locally and do not feel compelled or pressurised to leave the country to fend for their families. In this perspective, it is important to have a concerted effort by all stakeholders including the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, the Ministry of Tertiary Education and my Ministry. As far as my Ministry is concerned, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the following measures are being implemented to promote employment in the country and retain local talents – 1. reskilling and training programmes for the unemployed in collaboration with educational and training institutions as well as the business community to facilitate the employment of youth, women and to address the needs of the labour market; 2. the job preferences of unemployed youths are being assessed so that the necessary employability enhancement programme may be offered to them to meet their aspirations; 3. we are reviewing the legislations to ensure the best interest of workers and promote fairness and equal opportunities, and

78 4. we are working on the improvement of the salary structure and provisions for better working conditions.

Okay. Next question. Hon. Second Member for Grand’ Baie and Poudre d’Or! MAURITIUS POST LTD – FINANCIAL LOSS – CONTRIBUTING FACTORS & SOLUTIONS