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New Zealand tops Australia as Brit expat favourite
| Published: | 29 Aug at 6 PM |
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Tagged: Visas, Immigration, USA, Australia, UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Citizenship, Emigration, England
A recent report has confirmed British expats’ long-time favourite New Zealand is now number one again, beating out Australia for the top spot.
Enquiries from Britons wishing to emigrate to New Zealand have increased by a massive 83 per cent during the first six months of 2017, whilst enquiries about Australia have fallen by five per cent. It’s not just the British who are queuing up to move to the country made famous by the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, it’s American citizens fleeing the country since Donald Trump become its president. The Trump effect has resulted in a 72 per cent increase in enquiries from USA citizens and, combined with strong interest from South Africans, the country is now seeing its highest ever levels of immigration.
Breathtaking scenery known as some of the most spectacular the planet has to offer, wide open spaces, a climate considered sub-tropical in places and a comparatively small population are all attractions for refugees from the ever-increasing turmoil in the West. Outdoor activities and a strong sense of community attract families with small children and eco-conscious professionals. For working expats, the laid-back quality of life, short commuter times and positive work/life balance are all equally attractive.
New Zealand’s education system is rightly considered to be one of the best on offer, with affordable, high-quality tuition up to and beyond university level. State schools are fully government funded, and private schools are granted a 25 per cent subsidy, although expats should be aware that only the children of citizens and permanent residents can attend state schools. Healthcare is high standard, and is available for free to expats who’ve a work permit or permanent residency. Work permit holders qualify for free healthcare after 24 months of employment.
Although the cost of living is similar in some respects to that in the UK, none of New Zealand’s major cities have living costs rated as expensive in regular surveys. London’s rating in the ’50 most expensive world cities’ list is 30th and New York’s is 9th, as against Auckland’s 61st, Wellington’s 86th and Christchurch’s 168th, with all three cities well below the 50 most expensive. Expats yeaning for security and peace should note New Zealand’s rated in the Global Peace Index as the second most peaceful world country, just below Iceland but a great deal warmer.
Enquiries from Britons wishing to emigrate to New Zealand have increased by a massive 83 per cent during the first six months of 2017, whilst enquiries about Australia have fallen by five per cent. It’s not just the British who are queuing up to move to the country made famous by the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, it’s American citizens fleeing the country since Donald Trump become its president. The Trump effect has resulted in a 72 per cent increase in enquiries from USA citizens and, combined with strong interest from South Africans, the country is now seeing its highest ever levels of immigration.
Breathtaking scenery known as some of the most spectacular the planet has to offer, wide open spaces, a climate considered sub-tropical in places and a comparatively small population are all attractions for refugees from the ever-increasing turmoil in the West. Outdoor activities and a strong sense of community attract families with small children and eco-conscious professionals. For working expats, the laid-back quality of life, short commuter times and positive work/life balance are all equally attractive.
New Zealand’s education system is rightly considered to be one of the best on offer, with affordable, high-quality tuition up to and beyond university level. State schools are fully government funded, and private schools are granted a 25 per cent subsidy, although expats should be aware that only the children of citizens and permanent residents can attend state schools. Healthcare is high standard, and is available for free to expats who’ve a work permit or permanent residency. Work permit holders qualify for free healthcare after 24 months of employment.
Although the cost of living is similar in some respects to that in the UK, none of New Zealand’s major cities have living costs rated as expensive in regular surveys. London’s rating in the ’50 most expensive world cities’ list is 30th and New York’s is 9th, as against Auckland’s 61st, Wellington’s 86th and Christchurch’s 168th, with all three cities well below the 50 most expensive. Expats yeaning for security and peace should note New Zealand’s rated in the Global Peace Index as the second most peaceful world country, just below Iceland but a great deal warmer.
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