New research reveals that 14 per cent of expats in the UK would consider returning to their home country for political reasons
Research has revealed that a third (31 per cent) of expats living in the UK are concerned about domestic politics*. It proved to be such a concern, that expats currently living and working in the UK reported feeling more worried by domestic politics than those in any other country surveyed; France (22 per cent), Canada (11 per cent), the UAE (10 per cent) and Hong Kong (seven per cent).
By comparison, with just a fifth (18 per cent) claiming to feel worried about global politics, UK-based expats seemed to be considerably more concerned about domestic politics than those on the world stage. They were also more worried by domestic politics than terrorism (18 per cent).
Those expats who were most concerned by the local political landscape were aged 41-50 (36 per cent), with residents aged 24-30 (29 per cent) and 31-40 (28 per cent) much less worried.
Tom Wilkinson, CEO, AXA – Global Healthcare commented,
There’s no denying that, with Brexit looming, we are in the midst of an incredibly turbulent political period. For months now, it has felt almost impossible to read or listen to the news without the UK’s political situation making the headlines. It’s understandable, therefore, that the impact of the local political landscape on their daily lives would worry expats who have made their home in the UK more than those in other parts of the world.
Looking to the future, the research also found that expats living in the UK are more likely than any other surveyed to consider returning to their home countries for political reasons. The research revealed that 14 per cent would consider leaving, compared with 12 per cent in France, six per cent in Hong Kong, five per cent in the UAE and three per cent in Canada.
Despite the current political uncertainty, it seems expats have more reason to come to the UK than they do to leave. While 14 per cent would consider leaving for political reasons, a third (32 per cent) of expats have moved to the UK for career opportunities and a fifth (20 per cent) did so for better pay and benefits.
Tom Wilkinson concluded,
Speculation is rife over how Brexit will affect both British citizens who are living abroad and expats who have chosen to make their home here, in the UK. Whatever the future holds though, the skills, experience and investment that expats from all corners of the globe bring to the UK cannot be underestimated. It’s hugely encouraging, therefore, to see that large numbers of expats are still choosing to make their home here, in the UK. Likewise, it’s reassuring that the number of expats who would consider returning to their home country for political reasons remains relatively low.
*by AXA – Global Healthcare
Interested in immigration for recruiters? We recommend the Immigration for Recruiters: Right to Work in the UK training day.
Aphrodite is a creative writer and editor specialising in publishing and communications. She is passionate about undertaking projects in diverse sectors. She has written and edited copy for media as varied as social enterprise, art, fashion and education. She is at her most happy owning a project from its very conception, focusing on the client and project research in the first instance, and working closely with CEOs and Directors throughout the consultation process. Much of her work has focused on rebranding; messaging and tone of voice is one of her expertise, as is a distinctively unique writing style in my most of her creative projects. Her work is always driven by the versatility of language to galvanise image and to change perception, as it is by inspiring and being inspired by the wondrous diversity of people with whom paths she crosses cross!
Aphrodite has had a variety of high profile industry clients as a freelancer, and previously worked for a number of years as an Editor and Journalist for Prospects.ac.uk.
Aphrodite is also a professional painter.
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