Why Expats are Settling in the UK Permanently
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: January 5, 2022
Table of Contents
Statistical reports indicate that 495,000 people (non-UK nationals) have relocated to the UK for permanent residence within six years (2010-2016), contributing to a significant increase in the migration rate. This surge in immigration has elevated the UKâs status as a dream destination for many, prompting discussions about why Expats are settling in the UK permanently.
Expats are Settling in the UK
The question lies in why. Why are ex-pats settling in the UK permanently? Why are even more people looking into moving to the UK? This is what weâre going to try to answer in this article.
Note that if youâre already in the process of applying for a visa, you might as well look into details about how to apply for indefinite leave. This will help you have a more convenient migration process in the long run.
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Diverse Job Opportunities
One of the best reasons why people want to move to the UK is because of the diverse job opportunities that the country offers both to its locals and immigrants. The high demands for jobs in various fields plus the benefits are very distinct when compared to other countries of the same spectrum.
For instance, consider the 28 paid-off days offered to full-time employees. This is aside from 9 more holidays, although unpaid, that came with the employment. These pros apply no matter what niche you work in, how much your salary is, or what your current status is in the immigration process.
To make the most out of job opportunities, make sure to take the immigration rules of your visa into account.
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Distinct Food Offers
The United Kingdom offers a long line of remarkable restaurants, pubs, bars, and even street-side eateries. This makes it a popular choice among food enthusiasts and people who want to make a career out of cuisines.
What makes the UKâs foods more distinct is the experience that you will get while eating. If you eat in pubs, not only will you taste the localsâ expertise in delicacies, but you can also expect to get a touch of their culture. These will be through musical and dance performances, storytelling, and other events.
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Convenient Travel Locations
The country at hand is also an accessible place for frequent travelers. Because of the proximity of the UK to other European countries, it has a whopping number of 24 international airports. This assures convenience in terms of hopping from one tourist spot to another. Not to mention, you can also enjoy only a few hoursâ duration in between flights.
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High-Quality Education
Students also find the UK one of the best places to start or continue their studies because of the countryâs high-quality education. With several top-notch universities like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, the country is also the top producer of field professionals.
Apart from the extraordinary quality, the UK also offers free education systems and several scholarship programs for private schools.
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Free Healthcare
The UK is most famous for its very efficient and free healthcare system, the National Healthcare Services or NHS. As long as youâre one of the countryâs residents, you can already expect to be provided with free consultations for all bodily and mental aspects. This is very different when compared to other countriesâ expensive health fees.
Note that you may need to avail of legal assistance for more information about being eligible for NHS benefits.
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Welcoming Environment
As if the offers of the UK in terms of food, jobs, and school are not enough, many people also like the welcoming nature of the people in the country. The country is known to be kind to tourists and new immigrants. Hence, you can expect little to no issues with discrimination and unfair treatment.
As for the crime rate, you can expect that it is currently low and is continuously decreasing, according to several reports.
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Balanced Nightlife and Eco-Friendliness
The last reason why a lot of ex-pats want to settle in the UK is because of the balanced nightlife and green environment that you can find in the city. Despite the nightlife culture in the UK, which is very âwilderâ compared to others, the country is still known to maintain its sustainable culture and green environments. This is why itâs equally popular among environmentalists and revelers.
Summary
As you can see, you have nothing more to ask for when you move to the UK. As long as you migrate through legal processes, you can expect to get the full experience of the said benefits above. You will also feel free to explore the wonders of the United Kingdom and its cities. Not only that but there is also a very high chance of you witnessing more good things than just the ones said above.
Can EU citizens living in the UK access healthcare without applying for residency?
In most cases, EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens wonât need a visa to stay in the UK for up to six months. If you wish to receive healthcare in the UK, you must be a UK resident or have private medical insurance.
The EU Settlement Scheme allows EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens living in the UK to continue living and working there after 30 June 2021. Applicants who qualify for pre-settled or settled status should have applied by this date.
The government says that EU citizens who live in the UK will get a 28-day warning from immigration officials before applying to remain.
Around 5.6 million citizens and the European Economic Area (EEA) dependents have applied for settled status. Around 400,000 cases remain unresolved, and thousands of calls are made every day to the governmentâs helpline.
Poles (975,00) and Romanians (918,00) have filed the most applications.
What is the number of EU citizens leaving the UK after Brexit?
After the Brexit referendum and the Covid pandemic, many EU nationals have left the UK in the last few years. Anecdotal evidence confirms this trend.
Several economists warn that it could significantly affect future growth.
The economy is experiencing severe difficulties recruiting new workers, including lorry drivers, fruit pickers, and hotel workers.
Thank you for reading!