European Highly Skilled Female Migrants in Australia: Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

Reversing the brain-drain has become a focal point for EU policymakers and national governments. This reflects the growing concern in terms of loss of human capital and long-term demographic and economic stability, which is impacting both established and newer European Union (EU) member states (EU, 2020). This paper aims to offer insights into the factors driving European out-migration and how HSFM navigate transitions to the Australian labour market Using an intersectionality lens, the paper presents findings from a mixed-methods phenomenological study examining the employment trajectories of highly skilled female European migrants (HSFEM) in Australia. By analysing their experiences, the paper also provides a structural analysis of barriers and enablers to employment. It identifies the adaptive strategies HSFEM employ to navigate constraints to overcome such obstacles and improve their chances to secure employment commensurate with their overseas qualifications and experience. Moreover, the study offers insights into the retention of HSFEM and their intentions to return to Europe or live elsewhere. Framed within the ESAANZ 2025 theme of continuity and change, this research contributes to understanding how the EU can respond strategically to the longstanding challenge of talent retention in a global race for talent.