Ten Reasons why South Africans prefer the UK as emigration destination

Ten Reasons why South Africans prefer the UK as emigration destination. Image credit: AdobeStock

Ten Reasons why South Africans prefer the UK as emigration destination

(Partner Content) The UK has always been a very popular emigration choice for South Africans. There is a large diaspora of South Africans in the UK that came to the UK to study, work or expand their businesses to the UK.

Ten Reasons why South Africans prefer the UK as emigration destination

Ten Reasons why South Africans prefer the UK as emigration destination. Image credit: AdobeStock

Breytenbachs have looked into the ten reasons why South Africans prefer the UK as an emigration destination. 

1. Economic Hub 

The UK has a strongly developed international economy. There are many jobs on offer for migrants. Whether you are looking for a career in the financial sector, IT, to health care, you will be sure to find something. The UK is also wide open for new innovative ideas from South Africans and has even developed immigration routes to accommodate entrepreneurs from countries such as South Africa! 

2. National Health Service

The UK has an excellent National Health Service (NHS). It is a Government-funded medical and health care service that is available to all British citizens and migrants. Residents in the UK can use the NHS free of charge. Migrants to the UK applying for visas longer than six months pay for their use of the NHS by paying an Immigration Health Surcharge when applying for their visa. As soon as a person obtain the status of Indefinite Leave to Remain, there is no longer an Immigration Health Surcharge payable. 

3. Excellent Public Transport Services 

All towns and cities in the UK have a well-developed public transport system. It is thus very easy for students and workers to safely commute from home to work. The UK boasts several railway and train operators, intercity and local bus networks and taxis, and even ferry connections. 

4. No Language Barriers for South Africans

South Africans very easily make the transition to the UK, as there is no language barrier.

5. Rich Culture and History 

The UK boasts a rich cultural heritage and history. Many of the English traditions have woven themselves into the SA way of doing things. South Africans thus find it very easy to adapt to the UK culture, as it is familiar in many ways. 

6. Large diaspora of South Africans 

There is a large diaspora of South Africans in the UK, and even South African churches, shops, and communities. Breytenbachs is also aware of large groups of South African students in many of the UK university towns. It just makes it so much easier to adapt if there are some well-known accents in town!

7. Geographic Location of the UK 

Travel to and from the UK to South Africa is an overnight flight away. It is thus easy to travel for business and family between the two countries. The UK also boasts several international airports, making it easy to travel to the EU and other destinations for business and leisure. 

8. Academic Excellence 

The UK is well-known for its academic excellence and ranks first in various academic comparisons of schools and universities. The UK is also reckoned to have no less than 29 of the top 200 universities in the world.

9. Welcoming to Migrants  

The UK always welcomes the best and brightest migrants from all over the world. It offers various very advantageous immigration routes. 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. 

10. Sport 

Lastly, the British are just as fond of their Sports as South Africans! South Africans will still be able to enjoy their Cricket and Rugby.  There is much to relish for South African sports fans in the UK!

Moving to the UK with the help of Breytenbachs 

If you are thinking about moving to the UK, Breytenbachs will be able to assist you. Whether you are looking to study, gain some international work experience, or take your innovative business idea to the UK, there are immigration routes to suit every need. Breytenbachs will assess your circumstances and advise on the best suitable immigration route. If you are interested, please fill out our free online assessment form. Or send an email to info@bic-immigration.com to book a consultation. 

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.