Exploring the interconnection of geographical mobility and skilled labor as a pathway to sustainable development: a case analysis of South Korea to derive lessons for Nigeria

Objective: Poverty is a major issue in Nigeria, with rising rates despite a growing youth population. Organizations struggle to fill technical and highly skilled job vacancies due to a lack of highly skilled workers. In 1946, South Korea had the same challenge, but was able to make the transition from a developing country to a developed country in the shortest timeline amongst developed countries. Hence, this research aims to provide empirical evidence on South Korea's successful strategies, offering lessons for Nigeria. A comparative analysis of policies was carried out to highlight areas for improvement for Nigerian policies; Method: The methodology adopted in this study was mixed. It involved a qualitative analysis (comprehensive literature review), and quantitative analysis (Correlation analysis). Contributions were selected from databases like SCOPUS and Google Scholar, while secondary data was collected from international organizations- such as the World Bank and the United Nations. The data was analyzed using the statistical program - Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). This research examined three hypotheses based on studies published in conference proceedings, reports, dissertations, and manuscripts written in English; Results: The results of this study highlight the importance of geographical mobility in addressing labor shortages and promoting sustainable development. However, effective governmental intervention is crucial to harness these benefits. Policies should facilitate the repatriation of skilled natives and the integration of both high-skilled and low-skilled migrants. In addition, education and support mechanisms are essential for smooth assimilation into the workforce. This study also reveals that South Korea's visa framework is more robust than Nigeria's, focusing on attracting migrants through various channels, including research, study, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, South Korea has support programs for repatriated natives and migrants, which Nigeria does not have, leading to different outcomes in sustainable development; Originality: This pioneering study examines the complex relationships among repatriation, immigration, skilled labor, and sustainable development. By breaking new ground in socio-economic research, it uncovers nuanced dynamics and interdependencies, aiming to inform policy formulation and decision-making. This foundational work sets a precedent for future research and comprehensive global development analyses.