The decision to emigrate is never taken lightly, and neither is the choice to return home. In recent years, one of the most significant factors influencing British emigration and return migration has been Brexit. The UK’s departure from the European Union has had profound effects on those who have lived abroad and those considering such a move. Brexit has complicated the relationship between Britain and the rest of Europe, altering the dynamics of migration and introducing new challenges for British citizens living overseas. For many, the uncertainty and bureaucratic hurdles resulting from Brexit have played a decisive role in their decision to return to the UK.
Before Brexit, the freedom of movement within the EU allowed Britons to live, work, and retire in any member state with relative ease. Many took advantage of this opportunity, relocating to Spain, France, Portugal, or Germany in pursuit of a warmer climate, a change of pace, or better job prospects. These emigrants enjoyed the ability to integrate into their host countries without the need for complex visa applications or restrictions. However, Brexit fundamentally changed this landscape, creating new barriers that have driven some expatriates to reconsider their futures abroad.
How many times do I need to say this?
— Bearly Politics (@i_iratus) November 24, 2024
These are not expats, they are immigrants.
You don’t “expat” somewhere, you emigrate, and that makes you an immigrant.
I have never heard anyone refer to “Bangladeshi Expats” or “Polish Expats”, it’s always immigrants, so why not here? pic.twitter.com/Kkr2REGSIm
For instance, the loss of freedom of movement means that Britons now face the same immigration requirements as non-EU nationals in many European countries. This shift has resulted in increased bureaucracy, including the need for residency permits, work visas, and other documentation. In some cases, long-term British residents in EU countries have struggled to meet the new requirements, particularly retirees living on pensions. John and Margaret, who retired to Spain over a decade ago, found themselves caught in this bureaucratic limbo. Despite having lived there for years, they faced challenges in proving their residency status under the new rules. Faced with mounting uncertainty and the possibility of losing access to healthcare benefits, they decided to return to the UK, where they felt their rights would be more secure.
Economic considerations linked to Brexit have also influenced return migration. The weakening of the pound against the euro and other currencies has reduced the spending power of British expatriates living in Europe, particularly those on fixed incomes like pensions. For many, the financial strain of maintaining their lifestyle abroad has outweighed the benefits of staying. Pauline, who moved to Portugal in her 50s to enjoy a peaceful retirement, found that her UK pension no longer stretched as far as it once did. Coupled with the rising costs of healthcare and insurance post-Brexit, she opted to return to the UK, where her finances could provide a more stable quality of life.
Brexit has also disrupted the plans of those who moved abroad for work or business. Many Britons working in EU countries have faced complications with their employment status, professional qualifications, and access to job markets. In some cases, companies have relocated their operations out of the UK due to Brexit, leading to job losses for British expatriates. Tom, who had worked in Germany for a multinational firm, found his role redundant when the company reorganised in response to Brexit-related trade barriers. Returning to the UK became his only viable option, despite his initial plans to build a long-term career in Europe.
For younger emigrants, Brexit has introduced new obstacles to studying, working, or travelling within Europe. The loss of reciprocal agreements for university tuition fees and student exchange programmes like Erasmus has diminished opportunities for British students abroad. Sarah, a student who had been studying in Italy as part of her degree, struggled to navigate the new visa requirements and rising costs. Her dream of continuing her education in Europe was cut short, prompting her return to the UK to complete her studies.
The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has also had a psychological impact on emigrants. For many, the feeling of being “caught in the middle” between two countries has been deeply unsettling. This sense of liminality is particularly pronounced for those who previously felt at home as part of a unified European community. The divisions caused by Brexit have led some Britons to reassess their sense of belonging and identity, prompting them to return to the UK in search of stability. Claire, who had lived in France for over a decade, described feeling increasingly unwelcome in her adopted home after Brexit. While her French neighbours remained friendly, she noticed a subtle shift in attitudes and a growing sense of being an outsider. Ultimately, she chose to return to the UK, despite her love for France, in search of a renewed sense of security and acceptance.
Brexit has also strained the relationship between British emigrants and their families back home. Many families that once enjoyed frequent visits and seamless travel between the UK and Europe have found these connections disrupted. Increased costs for flights, travel insurance, and the need for passports for children have made visiting family less frequent and more difficult. For some emigrants, the growing distance from their loved ones has been a decisive factor in their decision to return. Helen, who had lived in Italy for years, felt the impact acutely when her elderly parents in the UK needed more support. Brexit’s complications made it harder for her to travel back and forth as often as she had before, leading her to relocate to be closer to her family.
Another group significantly affected by Brexit are those who had long envisioned retiring abroad. For decades, Britons have flocked to places like Spain’s Costa del Sol or the French Riviera to enjoy their golden years. Brexit has made this prospect less appealing for many, as access to healthcare, residency rights, and the ability to spend long periods in Europe have all been curtailed. Under the new rules, Britons are limited to staying in EU countries for 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. This restriction has disrupted the lives of “snowbirds,” who previously split their time between the UK and warmer climates. David and Susan, who owned a holiday home in Spain and spent half the year there, found the new restrictions too limiting. They decided to sell their property and return to the UK, frustrated by the loss of their once-ideal lifestyle.
While Brexit has undoubtedly been a major driver of return migration for some, it’s also worth noting that it has reinforced the pull of home for others who had already been considering coming back to the UK. The challenges and complexities brought about by Brexit have prompted a re-evaluation of priorities, leading many emigrants to conclude that the stability, familiarity, and rights afforded by living in the UK outweigh the benefits of staying abroad.
The impact of Brexit on return migration highlights the interplay of personal, economic, and political factors in shaping migration decisions. It adds a layer of complexity to the already multifaceted reasons why Britons return home after living abroad. For many, Brexit has been a tipping point, amplifying existing challenges and prompting difficult but ultimately resolute decisions. Together with factors such as family ties, cultural connections, economic realities, and healthcare considerations, Brexit underscores the enduring power of home to draw people back—even after they’ve ventured far away. In this context, the story of return migration becomes not just about leaving and coming back but about navigating an ever-changing world while searching for a place to truly belong.
