Migration is one of the most readily-recognised contributors to the increasing shortage in some of the world ’ s most disadvantaged countries (i.e. ‘ source countries ’ ). At the same time, it represents a way to deal with the shortage in the destination countries. Differences in salaries as well as working conditions are major incentives to migrate; therefore, a key component of health policies on human resources must incorporate financial and non-financial strategies to retain the health workers, especially in poor countries.