Increased emigration linked to poor UK job prospects

The recent trend towards emigration in the UK and Ireland may be linked to the continuing recession and its effect on local job prospects.

Changing migrant demographics show that university graduates and those on the lower rungs of the career ladder are packing up and heading overseas at higher numbers than older professionals and retirees. Typically, the younger migrant group is looking for short-term visas, with many returning to the UK after a year or so and resuming the search for a long-term position with prospects.

In spite of this trend, a recent Expat Explorer survey revealed that almost 90 per cent of UK expats had remained in their country of choice for more than three years, against 76 per cent of global expats. In addition, over three-quarters of Britons surveyed confirmed a strong connection with their country of origin.

A total of 72 per cent of respondents also felt they belonged in their host countries, representing a higher percentage for UK migrants than for those of other nationalities. The 2012 survey also noted that only seven per cent of British overseas residents were actively planning to move back to the UK or on to a new location.

The survey confirms that it is the younger element of the emigration figures is making the move for short-term career-related reasons, particularly if the Middle East is the chosen destination. Recent reports from other surveys by overseas recruitment agencies have suggested that work experience abroad contributes strongly to a successful resume.