Rising Number of Young Britons Emigrate Amid Economic Challenges
In the year to June 2025, 195,000 people under the age of 35 moved abroad, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Three-quarters of emigrants during this period were under 35, though the ONS has noted changes in its migration estimation methods, making year-on-year comparisons more complex.
Several factors are driving young Britons to seek opportunities overseas, including rising rents, a challenging job market in the UK, and stretched pay. Examples include Ray Amjad, who left Cambridge for Tokyo on a two-year graduate visa and plans to pursue permanent residency. His peers have relocated to countries such as Australia, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Isobel Perl is moving to Dubai to grow her skincare business. She cites Dubai’s golden visa program and tax-free income as significant attractions. She intends to rebrand her company and manage production from the UAE, which is portrayed as a major career hub for British expatriates due to its tax advantages, thriving business environment, and can-do culture.
Similarly, Sol Hyde left a corporate job in the UK to establish a marketing consultancy and is based in Bali, with plans to potentially move to Cape Town. He identifies the UK tax system, the so-called “tall poppy syndrome,” and limited growth opportunities as motivations for his relocation.
In response, the UK government maintains a 25% corporation tax cap and promotes entrepreneurship and growth, highlighting an 87% employment rate for graduates. The government asserts its commitment to supporting good jobs and small business growth amid these migration trends.
