Circular migration of the health workforce - an overview

Abstract

BackgroundThe increasing demand for health workers in high income countries is producing a net migration loss of these workers from low income countries, many of whom also experience an increase in demand for healthcare. This situation weakens the sustainability of health systems. Circular migration - a form of migration that allows migrants some degree of mobility back and forth between two countries - is advocated as a potential ‘triple win’ solution, bringing benefits to source and destination countries and migrant workers. Yet, no overview exists of circular migration of the health workforce, its formal and informal cooperation mechanisms, and effects on all parties involved.