Spokeswoman Shirley Wakefield said 2 606 respondents aged between 18 and 34 participated in the survey, where they were asked if they wanted to live in the country for good or if they wished to live in another country.

“Fifty-six percent of whites, and 53% of Indians expressed the desire to emigrate, far higher than black respondents with 33%, and coloureds at 43%,” said Wakefield in a statement today.

The company said the overall number of youths who wished to leave the country rose from 25% three months ago to 36 percent in November.

“The findings of our latest survey are alarming. In only three months, the number of young South Africans wanting to emigrate has increased by nearly 50%,” said Wakefield.

She said the survey showed that those who wanted to leave the most were mostly young people whose skills were desperately needed in the country.

“The country most attractive to respondents was the United States, with Australia also being attractive to whites, in particular,” said Wakefield.

The survey was conducted via cellphones and was conducted from November 9 to 11.