Salary not a factor for returning home: UK expats

Most of the UK expats in the UAE say that salary does not influence their decisions to move back to the UK but family pressure and poor health. Results of a survey commissioned by Lloyds TSB International showed that nearly 48 per cent of British expatriates go back because of these two reasons. The survey also said nearly three quarters – 71 per cent - of British expats now living in the UAE chose to leave the UK in search of a better career or salary. However, 69 per cent of those who are motivated by career and salary are aged 35-44 and once moved, a third of this group do not then plan to move home. Many expats choose to put down roots and stay permanently in their new country of residence. Around 39 per cent of expats now living in the UAE have no plans to return to the UK permanently. Over a quarter - or 27 per cent - of expats in the UAE have lived abroad for over five years, and almost the same – 23 per cent - for more than ten years. In comparison with the global sample, expats in the UAE intend to live there for a shorter period of time and are more likely to return to the UK with only 39 per cent stating that they did not intend to return - versus 56 per cent overall. Having moved abroad, it seems the ties that bind expats to the UK do not break easily with over three quarters - 76 per cent - of responders recognising the importance in maintaining ties with the UK. Most expats visit the UK for holidays with family visits outstripping business trips by over eight to one.