The economic balance of power is gradually shifting toward emerging markets, and immigration patterns will follow suit. A brain gain is already underway in Brazil and this looks set to continue even though economic growth there has temporarily stalled. Although the influx of immigrants and returnees is positive, this won’t solve the country’s talent shortage.

Influx of People

According to Brazil’s Justice Ministry, the number of immigrants jumped by 50% in the first half of 2011 to almost 1.5 million. Portuguese newcomers led the way driven by bad economic conditions at home. Their entries topped 328,000, up from 276,703 in the previous six months.

Meanwhile, Brazilians are returning to their native land in droves. The Justice Ministry estimates there are now only 2 million living abroad, a sharp drop from the roughly 4 million outside the country in 2005. For decades, Brazilians left in search of better opportunities abroad…