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EU expats shunning the UK due to Brexit
| Published: | 29 Jun at 6 PM |
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During 2017, net annual migration figures for EU nationals coming to work in the UK have fallen by a shocking 75,000.
Annual net migration is now at 244,000, with the numbers arriving from outside the European Union rising to 205,000. At the present time, more expats are arriving in the UK, but numbers arriving from Europe are at their lowest for six years. Figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest a 58,000 drop in EU citizens coming to work in the UK, the majority of whom are skilled workers.
Worryingly, it seems software engineers, medical specialists and other skilled professionals are now being turned away despite there being vacancies across the country for their skills. Skills shortages are being exacerbated by the increasing numbers of expat professionals retuning to their home countries in Europe or moving on to new jobs elsewhere before Brexit kicks in. In addition, record numbers of expats living and working in the UK are attempting to secure their status by applying for permanent residency.
Some 168,913 residency permits were granted in 2017, the highest number ever, and twice the number given out in 2016. Applications for British citizenship from EU citizens are also soaring, with twice as many being received last year than in 2016. Experts are suggesting the present-day slowdown in the UK’s economic growth compared with the EU and the world is related to the fall in EU net migration. Implicit in their arguments is the fact that, as net migration falls still further between now and next March and crashes during the following adjustment period, the British economy will be hit even harder.
Annual net migration is now at 244,000, with the numbers arriving from outside the European Union rising to 205,000. At the present time, more expats are arriving in the UK, but numbers arriving from Europe are at their lowest for six years. Figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest a 58,000 drop in EU citizens coming to work in the UK, the majority of whom are skilled workers.
Worryingly, it seems software engineers, medical specialists and other skilled professionals are now being turned away despite there being vacancies across the country for their skills. Skills shortages are being exacerbated by the increasing numbers of expat professionals retuning to their home countries in Europe or moving on to new jobs elsewhere before Brexit kicks in. In addition, record numbers of expats living and working in the UK are attempting to secure their status by applying for permanent residency.
Some 168,913 residency permits were granted in 2017, the highest number ever, and twice the number given out in 2016. Applications for British citizenship from EU citizens are also soaring, with twice as many being received last year than in 2016. Experts are suggesting the present-day slowdown in the UK’s economic growth compared with the EU and the world is related to the fall in EU net migration. Implicit in their arguments is the fact that, as net migration falls still further between now and next March and crashes during the following adjustment period, the British economy will be hit even harder.
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