UK emigration has fallen to its lowest rate since 2001. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) between June 2012 and June 2013 approximately 320,000 British citizens set sail for a new life elsewhere.
Despite emigration steadily falling for over a decade a great many British citizens still make the decision each year to relocate and start a new life abroad.
Where are people emigrating to and immigrating from?
Geography and migration trends are the primary factors when calculating both immigration and emigration statistics. A century ago saw the vast majority of expats choose Germany and New Zealand as their destination to start a new life. Today, however trends have changed. China is top of the desired destinations for those wishing to begin a new life away from UK shores.
There are a great number of reasons that British citizens choose to start a new life in pastures new. These range from enjoying a better standard of living abroad to better healthcare systems, and even the perceived lack of culture offered by the United Kingdom.
Emigration from the UK peaked in the years 2005, 2006, and 2007. According to the migration statistics as compiled by Parliament it’s estimated that as many as 425,000 British citizens chose to leave the UK indefinitely between the years of 2007 – 2008.
Did you leave for one of our reasons below? or move to one of the top 10 countries people British citizens migrate? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter or LinkedIn.