The UK remain one of the top choices for South Africans who are looking to emigrate. Being one of the top international financial hubs, it is also a favourite for South Africans looking to gain valuable international work experience. South African business persons also often prefer the UK as starting point of their global expansion.

Breytenbachs have looked into some of the reasons why our South African clients say they prefer the UK!

Geographic Location of the UK

One of the main reasons South Africans prefer the UK above countries like Australia and New Zealand is that travel to and from the UK to South Africa is an overnight flight away. If there is a family crisis or you need to travel urgently for business between the two countries, it is easy and relatively affordable.

The UK also boasts several international airports, making it easy to travel to the EU and other destinations for business and leisure.

National Health Service

The UK has a Government-funded medical and health care service, the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS is available to all British citizens and migrants.

Persons who apply for UK visas for longer than six months have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge with their visa application. The payment might seem hefty at first, but this enables them to use the NHS free of charge when their visas get approved.

When a person reaches the status of Indefinite Leave to Remain, there is no longer a surcharge payable, and the NHS will be free for the rest of their lives. The NHS offers peace of mind to many South Africans living in the UK, as they know that they have access to excellent free healthcare.

Safe and Reliable Public Transport

The towns and cities in the UK all have a well-developed and linked public transport system. The safe and reliable public transport makes it easy for persons to commute from home to work safely. Or simply to explore the country.

It also means that South Africans new to the country do not need to invest in a motor vehicle at first. 

No Language, Culture and Sport barriers

There are no language barriers for South Africans coming to the UK

South Africans also find many English traditions very familiar, as English culture is woven into many SA ways of doing things. South Africans thus find it easy to adapt to the UK culture as it seems familiar in many ways. The Brits are also very fond of their sports, and South Africans can still enjoy their Cricket and Rugby with the English neighbours!

Large Diaspora of South Africans in the UK

There is a large diaspora of South Africans in the UK. Breytenbachs is also aware of large groups of South African students in many of the UK university towns. You will also be able to find South African churches and shops in the UK. The familiar SA accents that you can sometimes hear in town make it so much easier to adapt!

Welcoming and Advantageous Immigration Rules

The UK offers various very advantageous immigration routes. It is possible to apply for UK visas and permits based on family ties, investment, innovative ideas, talent, skills, job offers and many more.

The Covid-pandemic has also shown that the UK government takes care of its migrants. Various concessions were made to migrants financially affected by Covid-19. Migrants could, as an example, also qualify for furlough without it affecting their immigration status.

How Breytenbachs can help you

If you are considering the UK for long term or short term emigration, we strongly recommend that you get in touch with one of our consultants. We will be able to assess your circumstances and needs and suggest the best way forward.

• Please feel free to email us at info@bic-immigration.com or visit www.bic-immigration.com