Do you recall how, back in 2021, an EY Generate Youth Survey had already started showing that the majority of our youth were keen on moving abroad? It revealed that, in spite of our political parties boasting that they had the interests of youngsters at heart, they were not convinced at all. They harbour different values than those prioritised by politicians.

Young people are more interested in preserving the land, nature and environment than economic growth, financial incentives, educational benefits or immigration.

Our youth would rather live and work in another country, but whether their dreams and concerns are translated into reality is another story. There is much more to it than meets the eye. And let us face it: this phenomenon of youngsters wishing to leave their country for good and seek better pastures abroad is not something unique to Malta.

In September 2023, the National Youth Council of Ireland called for action from their government so young people were not overlooked in the budget. Surveys back then revealed that 7 out of 10 young Irish were seriously considering emigration for a better quality of life than in Ireland.

Something like that clearly demonstrates that, with political propaganda talk of "a better quality of life" originating from PN quarters, or "the best is still to come" originating from Labour quarters, our youth consider themselves to know better because they are convinced they would enjoy a better quality of life elsewhere.

At the rate we are going, our minuscule country may experience a shortage of labour because of migration, which can lead to a "brain drain", depriving us of the skilled people needed to sustain the economy. There may also be drops in productivity when highly skilled migrants leave the country. Yet, can one really blame them?

Youth emigration is likely to continue at a relatively high pace in the coming years. The developments in our country over the past couple of years continue to exacerbate the youth's plight. Maltese youngsters are especially drawn to other European countries.

The majority of those who leave the country are of working age and usually hold a higher education degree. Malta has been mired in a number of controversies and scandals of all sorts for a while, and there are no signs of a turn for the better. Emigration will certainly increase from the current level unless a turnaround takes place soon.

Many students are dead set on moving permanently abroad after completing their studies. They are seriously concerned that employment opportunities are few and far between in Malta, especially for the highly educated. Eventually, they will have it good within a larger labour market, a laid-back atmosphere, and opportunities to pursue an international career. On the other hand, there are those of the opinion that one will find something if there is the will to look for work and the patience to wait a bit.

That optimism waned gradually, though, and naturally, it all depends on one's field of expertise. Over and above that, then, there are those who cannot take any more of the innumerable empty political policies and promises being churned out by our main political parties, only to make matters worse for our youth.

Whether or not young Maltese emigrants are willing to stay abroad permanently depends largely on their experiences in their first year abroad. Most emigrants might return to Malta a year or two after moving abroad or try it out in another foreign country, but the longer they stay abroad, the less likely they are to return.

All this indicates that dissatisfaction with the current place of living has a tendency to increase the potential for our youth's decision to migrate abroad. As emigration rates increase, the migrants' overall quality of life, reflected in their financial status and job satisfaction, access to quality medical and educational services, and multiple leisure opportunities, can potentially elevate. These are all aspirations that no political party, even if imbued with goodwill and genuine intentions, can ever succeed in integrating into long-term visions, let alone realise.

Our politicians may continue trying to outdo each other by promising heaven on earth to our younger generations, but every youth will continue to be attached to his or her own impenetrable ideals, aspirations, visions and fantasies. Those like me who are of the older generation type, had we been living our youth in this day and age, would, in all probability, have the same inclinations as the younger and upcoming generations.

Today, globalisation, ease of travel and other comforts have made it easier to migrate than in the past, when Maltese emigrated to find employment and escape poverty.

By moving to a different nation, young people are looking for a higher standard of living, and it is not only about money but a cleaner, healthier, and better quality of life. Some Maltese youngsters genuinely believe they belong to a different country. Many times, they see the need to move from their home country to a more tolerant nation so they can begin the life they always wanted.

Perhaps the way this rock has been rapidly transformed during the last few years has easily alienated our youth, forcing them to inevitably and hopelessly migrate to better pastures. Yet, the fact remains that, no matter where the younger generations settle down, the power of youth will remain the commonwealth for the entire world.

Dr Mark Said is a lawyer