Why Are British Asians Seeking New Horizons Beyond the UK?

In recent years, many Brits have considered leaving the UK for new horizons. Some of those who seek to leave include British Asians.

Brit-Asians from Pakistani, Bengali and Indian backgrounds have increasingly sought opportunities abroad. Lifestyle needs, economic issues, career prospects, and the UK’s socio-economic and political landscape often drive them.

Office of National Statistics (ONS) data indicates that in the year ending 2023, the number of people emigrating from the UK long term was 508,000. This is an increase of 37,000 from 2022.

In the year ending June 2023, British nationals accounted for 93,000 (18%) of those leaving.

With immigration remaining a hot topic in British media and politics, many people are concerned with immigration to the UK. Yet very little is talked about British people seeking to leave the UK.

DESIblitz delves into why British Asians are seeking new horizons outside the UK.

The Cost of Living and Financial Strains

The cost of living crisis and financial strains have caused Brit-Asians to seek to move abroad. The focus is on having economic stability and, thus, reduced stress.

The prices of life’s essentials continue to impact families and individuals. In the UK, consumer goods and services prices rose by 9.6% in the year to October 2022. The fastest rate in four decades.

Food banks have increased, reflecting the financial struggles of many. When the Conservatives came into power in 2010, 35 Trussell Trust foodbanks were in the UK.

According to the Commons Library, there were 2,600 food banks in 2022. This does not include soup kitchens or social supermarkets.

Nadia*, a 49-year-old British mother of three based in London, stated:

“My husband and I both work full-time, and we are scraping by.

“When I compare our grocery bills each week and the gas and electricity bill to a few years ago, it’s baffling.

“Each month, we stress, every grocery run is a painful math lesson. The corporations and the wealthy are getting richer in this country while the rest of us are left to suffer.

“The work we do means we can work easily in other countries. The kids are still young and would be able to adapt.”

“We’re looking at Canada and Malaysia. Family in Canada and Malaysia. We started with Malaysia because of its low cost of living and good environment.

“We started looking last year. Now, with Starmer and Labour as a government showing they’re not for the people, we are more determined to go.

“Our children and we deserve a better life, and I refuse to live struggling and stressed as we are, while the fat cats just get fatter.”

Similarly, Hassan, a 23-year-old British Pakistani in Birmingham, is looking at permanently moving abroad for a better life:

“Well, I suppose I should start with what I see: this country falling further and further into the gutter.

“Economically, it is becoming more and more difficult to survive; living a fulfilled life seems like a pipe dream.”

High bills, low wages, and the eroding of public spending have Nadia and Hassan feeling that a future in the UK would not be stable and happy.

Brexit and its Long-term Effects

Brexit and its long-term ramifications are also considerations for some Brit-Asians as they contemplate permanently leaving the UK to pursue new horizons.

The UK’s exit from the EU has led to concerns about reduced access to the European job market and increased bureaucratic hurdles for travel and business.

Higher costs and uncertainty drive individuals to seek more stable economic environments abroad.

Factors such as deregulation and restricted opportunities are also a concern.

Ruby*, a 24-year-old British Pakistani based in Coventry, said:

“My generation and younger got shafted by Brexit.”

“The opportunities we’ve lost out on, it’s going to get harder to travel and do things. Unlike my brother, it won’t be as easy to go do a summer job or internship somewhere in Europe.”

In turn, 36-year-old British Bengali Naheed* stressed:

“Those who voted leave were told an almighty lie we are all paying for. Both political sides were terrible and it’s us who will suffer.

“The politicians who got us in this mess have enough money not to really care.

“Plus, since we’re out of the EU, the protections in place are being dismantled or ignored by each government.

“My mum talks about it all the time. The stuff that will be allowed to be put in our food. The EU employment and environmental laws won’t be put in British law.

“For the long-term physical and psychological health of my family, we need to leave. My mum even agreed to move, to either Dubai, Malaysia or Singapore.”

Additionally, the political climate surrounding Brexit has heightened feelings of exclusion and discrimination, making the UK seem less welcoming. While simultaneously sharpening feelings of not belonging for some.

Issues of Racism and Feelings of not Belonging

The mainstreaming of far-right narratives and racist discourse is also a factor impacting people’s desire to leave Britain for new horizons.

For some, successive events and political and media dialogue have created profound feelings of not belonging, unsafety and Othering.

There is a lack of trust in the political system and environment that has been cultivated in Britain.

Aliyah*, a 33-year-old British Pakistani in Birmingham, maintained:

“I was born and raised here, but I don’t want my kids raised in the environment we have in Britain today.”

“It’s toxic, thanks to the politicians, media and their dangerous speak. Combined with the pain from the cost of living, I want out.”

For Hassan, issues of racism and its normalisation in mainstream society are part of the reason he and those he knows, are seeking new horizons outside the UK:

“From the very top at all levels of this country, there is racism that is blatantly expressed.

“Comments and actions that undermine people because of their skin colour and cultural differences – really, at this day and age? And what’s worse, there are no repercussions.

“This sows seeds for the erosion of trust.

“There are so many examples: the Windrush scandal, the increase in hate crimes during and after Brexit, and the disparity in responses to the Ukraine crisis versus the struggle of the Palestinian people.

“It’s just unreal. Then there’s the portrayal of stereotypes in British media – don’t even get me started. It all piles on, creating such distrust and unease.

“My parents always told me as I was growing up that we shouldn’t get too comfortable, as we might be kicked out of this country. Sadly, this feels like it could become a reality with each passing day.

“I could go on forever, but to summarise: from the cost of living and institutional racism to media stereotypes and beyond – such as the poor quality of education in the UK, disparity in pay and opportunities for South Asians, an unjust justice system.

“And the lack of repercussions for those in power supporting racist rhetoric—there are many reasons why some British Asians [like me] are considering leaving the UK.”

Long-Term Health and Wellbeing

In turn, another factor that has Brit-Asians seeking new horizons outside Britain is the desire to have good long-term physical and mental health.

Zeenath*, a 28-year-old British Indian, has begun applying for teaching jobs in the Middle East and Malaysia:

“Continuing to live here isn’t good for my mental or physical health. I worry too much about how to afford things, and the quality of life isn’t good.

“Dubai short-term to make money and then permanently to Malaysia.”

Maya*, a 36-year-old British Bengali and single mother, stated:

“The climate in this country absolutely stinks. The sky here is always grey in winter; it’s depressing for the mood. Also, cost-wise, it’s cheaper abroad; it’s not daylight robbery like in the UK.

“And having these feelings and stressors erodes our health and well-being mentally and physically.

“The focus is somewhere like Malaysia and Indonesia, where we can live a more organic life. Definitely not UAE or Dubai, which are inorganic.

“I think that’s why even a lot of White people have moved out of the West, to get away from inorganic living and moral degeneracy.

“Also, for us as Muslims right now, especially me as a single mum, I feel unsafe.”

“I can’t walk anywhere without being highly alert – what if someone tries to pull my hijab off? What if someone attacks me or has no mercy on my son?

“Look what we saw during the recent riots, no mercy or sense. People were being lynched and attacked in broad daylight.

“Who the hell wants to live in a country that has fake protection laws and fake free speech?

“I know that occurs in countries around the world, but I feel the UK, like the US, is more hypocritical about it. There’s so many reasons to leave and that is part of it for me.”

The Yearning for New Horizons

The reasons why Brit-Asians are leaving the UK are complex, multifaceted, and varied, spanning economic, political, social, and personal factors.

Economic instability, the rising cost of living, issues of health and well-being, and a desire to escape racial discrimination are just some of the many drivers.

Moreover, the consequences of the mainstreaming of racism, anti-immigration ideals and far-right narratives within the UK have created further feelings of distrust and unease, making some want to relocate.

The rising cost of living in the UK and its ripple effects on health and well-being have also been motivating factors for many British Asians considering relocation.

Housing costs, in particular, have reached unprecedented levels, with many unable to afford homes forced to pay high rent fees or stay with their parents. This struggle is exacerbated by growing economic inequalities in the country.

Mohammed, a 28-year-old British Pakistani and Indian in Birmingham, asserted:

“I’ve got family doing ace in Dubai; they’ll only come back to visit. They’ve been able to buy their own places and enjoy life. I’m looking at doing the same.”

Mohammed’s cousin Adam, a 32-year-old British Pakistani, told DESIblitz:

“The move to Dubai was the best decision ever made for myself and my family.

“If we ever leave, it wouldn’t be to the Britain I witness in existence now.”

Some British Asians are moving to countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where tax-free salaries and a lower cost of living, especially in housing, make it a financially appealing alternative.

Dubai, for example, became a central hub for British professionals seeking better financial prospects and a higher quality of life.

Others are focusing on moving to Malaysia, for instance, because they want a healthier lifestyle and better environment.

As globalisation continues to create new opportunities and as inequity and inequality remain high in the UK, the trend of British Asians seeking new horizons beyond the UK is likely to continue.

By carefully weighing these factors and exploring international opportunities, British Asians are reshaping their futures, seeking more fulfilling lives in countries that offer, in their eyes, better prospects professionally and personally.

Often, Brit-Asians look at how living and working abroad will benefit them and their families long term.

The UK’s economic, socio-cultural, and political realities and inequalities mean many are yearning for new horizons filled with hope and the promise of a better life.