LONDON, Oct 24, (KUNA): Expats are cancelling plans to return to the UK, much preferring life overseas, according to a survey Monday.
Around 15 percent of those Britons living abroad have changed their minds about coming back in the last year, a survey by Lloyds TSB International bank found.
As many as 69 percent of these expats now plan to stay overseas indefinitely, a 13 percent rise on the number last year.
Those abroad say their quality of life is better, their finances are healthier, their cost of living lower and their neighbourhoods safer.
74 percent reckoned they had a better life overseas, with just 7 percent saying things would be better in the UK.
While 12 percent believed they would be financially better off in the UK, 64 percent felt they had more money by living overseas.
Around 52 percent said their cost of living was lower abroad, while only 24 percent said it was now more expensive.
About half (51 percent) of the 1,034 expats surveyed said their country of residence was a better place to raise children, with only 11 percent disagreeing.
Living abroad meant the schools were better, the neighbourhood safer and there were more play areas and activities for children.
As many as 68 percent reckoned they were happier living abroad than in the UK, with only 7 percent saying they were less happy overseas.
Lloyds TSB International’s expatriate banking managing director Tony Wilcox said “Expats have an enlightening view of the UK, having experienced life both home and away.
So it’s worrying that life in Britain appears so bleak when viewed through their eyes.
“From economic woes to August’s riots, the UK has faced a catalogue of bad news in recent months. Coupled with expats’ view that the quality of life is higher and they are financially better off abroad, it’s not surprising that so many have cancelled their plans to return to the UK.”