The migration of highly skilled persons is not a new phenomenon in the global economy. International labour migration has significant economic, social, political, and cultural implications in both developing and developed countries. Given this context this study explores the reasons that contribute to highly skilled persons migrating abroad, using the migration of highly skilled Tanzanians to the UK as an example.udThe study takes a qualitative exploratory approach that employs a subjective ontology to explore reasons that apply in Tanzania that contribute to the decision for highly skilled Tanzanians to migrate to the UK and its effect on brain circulation in Tanzania. Thematic analysis was used together with Nvivo 10 software to analyse the research findings.udData were collected through qualitative interviews that afforded opportunities to gain understanding from participants’ views, experiences and perceptions of the reasons that contribute to migration decisions. Moreover, remittances, diasporas and return migration were major migration issues perceived by participants who discussed these influences on brain circulation. By returning home, even for a short time, highly skilled Tanzanians can impart their knowledge and experience acquired abroad to ‘circulate’ or mobilise the resources and activities in Tanzania so that they can be used in the most efficient way. Lee’s (1966) theory was used to guide this study and the findings led to a modification of the theory that assisted in suggesting ways in which the Tanzanian government can develop policies that influence its highly skilled people to remain and work in the country, and its expatriates to return for brain circulation. Moreover, given the lack of previous qualitative research studies on the influence of migration of highly skilled Tanzanians on brain circulation, this paper contributes a qualitative method that is of value for future research.
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