The TEFL Academy's Groundbreaking Study on Reverse Emigration

A recent research publication by The TEFL Academy has shed new light on a significant demographic shift in South Africa: the surge in reverse emigration. Titled Reverse Emigration Among South Africans, the report details findings from a survey of 173 individuals who have lived and worked abroad, with 121 completed responses analyzed. These respondents, primarily Gen Z and young Millennials aged 20 to 39, represent a cohort that ventured to destinations like the UK, Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada, and the UAE before choosing or planning to return home.

This study arrives at a pivotal moment. While South Africa has long grappled with brain drain, where over one million nationals reside abroad, recent trends indicate a reversal. Official data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) recorded 27,983 returns in 2022 alone, marking the first substantial wave of homecomings. Recruitment firms, such as DNA Employer of Record, report a 70% increase in return-migration inquiries by 2025, particularly from young professionals.

What drives this movement? The report emphasizes not failure abroad, but strategic life choices prioritizing family, lifestyle, and cultural reconnection over perpetual exile.

Methodology Behind the Insights

The TEFL Academy's approach was rigorous and targeted. Researchers anonymously surveyed South Africans with direct experience abroad, focusing on those who had returned or were actively planning repatriation. Data was cross-referenced with authoritative sources including UN DESA International Migrant Stock, Stats SA's Migration Profile Report, Afrobarometer surveys, and media outlets like BusinessTech and News24.

Quantitative metrics included Likert-scale ratings (1-5) on aspects like confidence gained abroad, life satisfaction post-return, and emotional well-being. Qualitative responses captured personal stories, ensuring a balanced view of benefits and challenges. This blend provides a comprehensive snapshot of circular migration—where movement abroad enhances skills before repatriation enriches the home economy.

Scale of the Reverse Emigration Phenomenon

South Africa's diaspora exceeds one million, with major hubs in the UK (around 245,000), Australia (213,000), and the USA (161,000). Yet, return interest is rising: 34% expressed desire to repatriate as early as 2019, accelerating post-pandemic.

• 2022 Stats SA figure: 27,983 official returnees—the inaugural measurable surge.
• Recruitment enquiries up 70% by 2025, driven by under-40s from UK, Australia, Canada.
• 53.05% of survey respondents already back home; others in planning stages.

This shift from linear brain drain to brain circulation could inject global expertise into key sectors like education, tech, and finance.

Primary Motivations for Returning Home

Family emerges as the top driver at 40%, followed by lifestyle at 30%. Survey data reveals nuanced preferences:

• 77.46% missed family and lifelong friends.
• 66.9% yearned for South African humour, warmth, and social culture.
• 55.63% valued the outdoor lifestyle and climate.
• 50% sought cultural belonging.

Financial savvy plays a role too: favourable exchange rates amplify savings from abroad, enabling property purchases in coastal or urban areas. Respondents described returning not as retreat, but readiness after gaining formative experiences.

For more on the full report, see the detailed TEFL Academy press release.

Gains from Time Abroad: Confidence and Global Perspective

Universally, respondents (100%) affirmed positive outcomes from international stints. Average scores highlight transformative effects:

Abroad valued safety, high earnings, efficient systems, and professional growth. These intangibles now fuel contributions back home, positioning returnees as bridges for investment and innovation.

Photo by Hennie Stander on Unsplash

Life Satisfaction Post-Return: A Nuanced Picture

Returnees report improved quality of life, though not without caveats. Key metrics:

• Mental/emotional health improvement: 3.62/5
• Social connectedness (home vs. abroad): 3.56/5
• Comfortable lifestyle despite salary shifts: 3.42/5
• Overall life satisfaction in South Africa: 3.41/5

100% viewed repatriation positively, citing rediscovered community and purpose. Yet, challenges like infrastructure gaps temper enthusiasm. This 3.41 score underscores lifestyle's weight beyond income.

BusinessTech's coverage provides further context on these ratings: read the article here.

Demographics: Young Professionals Leading the Charge

Gen Z (20-29) and young Millennials (30-39) dominate, often in finance, hospitality, tech, and startups. Examples:

• Thandi M., 28, finance from London—now remote.
• James v.d. Berg, 32, from Sydney—family-focused.
• Naledi K., 26, hospitality from Dubai.
• Pieter & Anel S., couple from Toronto—culture pull.

This youthful vanguard brings hybrid skills, amplified by remote work.

Economic Implications: From Drain to Circulation

Reverse emigration fosters brain circulation, where skills flow back enriched. Remote/hybrid roles allow foreign salaries with local costs, boosting purchasing power. Stats SA notes immigration offsets outflows, but returns could revitalize sectors.

Policy-wise, enhancing reintegration—via skills recognition and incentives—maximizes gains. UCT's 2026 Diaspora Report complements, surveying 1,500 across 73 countries, revealing 43% permanence abroad but frequent visits.

Challenges and Readjustments

Not all smooth: load-shedding, inefficiencies, and profession-specific finances (e.g., teaching salaries) pose hurdles. Respondents note readjustment to time zones/infrastructure, though fibre and GMT+2 mitigate.

• Skills underutilization persists.
• Financial strain in low-pay fields.

Solutions include EOR services for remote foreign employment.

The Role of Remote Work in Enabling Returns

Post-pandemic shifts are pivotal. Fibre expansion, co-working spaces, and timezone alignment empower 'geographic arbitrage'. Many retain overseas employers, blending global pay with local life.

Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash

Real Voices: Quotes from Returnees

"What makes me want to stay... is the incredible sense of community." — Survey respondent.

"There is nothing quite like landing... South Africa has so much soul." — Another voice.

Rhyan O’Sullivan, TEFL MD: "They came back because they were ready."

Future Outlook and Policy Recommendations

Trends suggest acceleration among youth. To harness, government/recruiters should streamline skills validation, tax incentives for returnees, and diaspora networks. TEFL certification exemplifies upskilling pathways.

Stats SA's ongoing monitoring will track if 2022's 27k+ becomes norm. Ultimately, this could pivot South Africa from talent loss to gain, enhancing competitiveness.