While many believe that professional workers owe a debt to the country where they trained, I argue that they should have the freedom to work wherever they choose, particularly if it allows them to earn more money.
On one hand, professionals often receive substantial government funding to support their training, which is aimed at enhancing their ability to serve their communities effectively. This investment is justified because their roles significantly benefit society. For instance, Vietnam has spent billions of VND on training junior teachers through university tuition and on-the-job training.
However, every individual should have the opportunity to select a working environment that enables them to reach their maximum potential. Professionals in fields like engineering and medicine are among the most highly skilled and valuable workers, capable of making significant contributions to their employers. There is a global market for their skills, and by relocating abroad, they can command much higher salaries. Restricting their ability to work in other countries would pose a considerable disadvantage for these individuals. For example, petroleum engineers can earn thousands of dollars more in oil-rich countries such as Saudi Arabia than they would remaining in Vietnam. Therefore, I believe it is crucial for professional workers to have the autonomy to choose where they wish to work.
In conclusion, while the government’s investment in professional development is substantial, these individuals should retain the right to choose whether to repay that investment by working in their home country or by relocating to places with better salary prospects.