Turkish citizens who are against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his beliefs are packing up their money, talent, and families, and searching for a better life. They are flying to countries that have greater education and opportunities. The New York Times says “More than a quarter of a million Turks emigrated in 2017, according to the Turkish Institute of Statistics, an increase of 42 percent over 2016, when nearly 178,000 citizens left the country.”

Wealthy people opened bank accounts in other countries and transferred a big amount of their money because they do not think their money is safe in Turkey with everything that has been going on. Money transfers have been an issue since July 15, 2016, after the coup attempt.  

Where do Turkish citizens go when they leave the country? The Majority of people applied for visa programs that give residency when one invests money in property or business. Greece, Portugal, Britain, and Spain are the top spots people choose to go to. Green Cards became a particularly big deal for those who want to reside in the United States. With all the health care and food benefits, families with kids are excited to come to the United States.

All these people migrating to other countries affects Turkey’s economy and future. Great minds are leaving the country and working for other nations which benefits them.

“In the last two to three years, not only have students and academics fled the country, but also entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and thousands of wealthy individuals packed their stuff and left,” says Carlotta Gall. Brain Drain is the emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a particular country.

President Erdogan said that he was not happy with the Brain drain that has been happening. He promised to find a way to solve these problems and make Turkey great again.