Are you surprised that young Britons are packing their bags and seeking opportunities elsewhere? With the UK grappling with rising living costs, a competitive job market, and financial strain, many are choosing to build their futures abroad. Let's dive into why this trend is happening and what it means for the future.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a significant 195,000 individuals under 35 moved overseas in the year leading up to June. But where are they going, what are they doing, and will they ever return home?
'It feels much safer in Tokyo'
Ray Amjad, a recent graduate from the University of Cambridge, initially considered staying in the historic city. However, he was soon drawn to the prospect of a different life.
This 25-year-old from Manchester has explored 20 different countries, working remotely in web design. He realized he couldn't see himself returning to the UK. He moved to Tokyo last year on a two-year visa designed for top graduates and hopes to obtain permanent residency.
"In my experience, the UK is losing too many talented young people," Ray states. "Japan is getting a good deal, really – we're moving out here, fully formed, and they haven't had to pay for our education or healthcare, growing up."
Ray's friends from university have also relocated to Australia, South Korea, and Hong Kong. They cite the high cost of living in the UK and limited job opportunities as key factors.
"Here in Tokyo, it used to be much older people who moved out here to work, but that has changed recently," he says. "It feels much safer here. I can walk around and not worry about my phone being stolen. I can leave my laptop in a cafe for a while and it's still going to be there. And the flat I'm renting would be three times the price in London."
'People dream big in Dubai'
Isobel Perl started her skincare brand from her parents' home in Watford five years ago. Now 30 years old, she's decided to move to Dubai in the new year, hoping to expand her business into the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"My sister moved to Dubai a few years ago and my parents have decided to move too, so it just makes sense," she says. "Sun all year round is a huge reason for me. It's an expensive place to live but I won't have to pay income tax."
Isobel was among the first to receive one of the 10,000 golden visas for content creators, which grant 10 years of residency.
Isobel believes that most people moving to Dubai have big ambitions and dreams. "That energy is so important to be around. There is a thriving business community and it's a very inspiring place to be."
Isobel plans to continue manufacturing her skincare products in the UK but will manage operations from Dubai, with the future goal of importing and selling her products in the UAE.
However, in January, she must rebrand from PERL Cosmetics to Isobel Perl due to a trademark objection, leaving her with £500,000 worth of stock to clear before year-end.
"I have had to reduce the prices and it's a huge financial blow," she says. "I really need a new start. I'm going into the new year with hopeful energy."
She admits she'll miss her friends, her horse, and countryside walks. "But I'm only a seven-hour flight away," she adds.
'Business-friendly environment'
According to the ONS, three-quarters of British nationals who emigrated in the year ending June 2025 were under the age of 35. However, due to recent changes in how the ONS estimates British migration, it's difficult to compare to previous years.
An ONS spokesperson noted that the data wasn't surprising, as most migrants tend to be young.
David Little, a financial planning partner at UK wealth manager Evelyn Partners, suggests that young people are choosing to work abroad due to the "increasingly negative economic narrative in the UK," including high unemployment, rising debt and tax burdens, and fewer graduate vacancies.
Dubai, in particular, has become a global career hub, attracting thousands of British workers with tax-free salaries, low crime rates, and a booming job market, he says.
"Destinations like the UAE offer tax-free living, a 'can-do' attitude, and a business-friendly environment that feels far more optimistic and rewarding," he says. "Interestingly, instead of the traditional 'Bank of Mum and Dad' helping with a first home deposit, families are now supporting children with the costs of emigration and settling abroad."
'My corporate job was making me miserable'
Sol Hyde, from Colchester, says he left his corporate job as soon as his online business started generating revenue.
"The same is true for almost every UK entrepreneur I know," he adds.
The 25-year-old quit his corporate job last October, realizing it was making him unhappy. "I was waking up to darkness and cold. It was quite a lonely existence because all my friends were working so hard," he says. "I had no idea what to do but I just knew I needed to get out."
In January, he launched his marketing consulting firm, helping businesses grow on social media.
Sol has spent most of this year in Bali but is considering Cape Town, South Africa, as his next base. "I wake up to the sun and jump on my motorbike to my run club," he says. "I meet 30 other young people building businesses and we get a coffee together. I co-work with friends all day and then we go out in the evening."
He admits that leaving his friends and family was the hardest part. "But when I had a corporate job, I didn't see them because I was working so hard. Now I am closer to them because we actually speak more."
He believes the UK suffers from "tall poppy syndrome" – where successful people are resented – and a negative culture. "Success is met with criticism, rumour-spreading and general hate," he says.
Sol currently employs six people and is planning to hire four more. He believes the UK's tax system would have hindered his growth and ability to take risks.
"This is a medium-term solution for me," he says. "I love the UK and I'm not ruling out coming back when I'm in a better financial position, but right now I'm so glad I left."
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson stated that the Budget doubled down on its work to grow the economy and create good jobs by maintaining the cap on corporation tax at 25%, supporting high streets with permanently lower tax rates, and making it easier for start-ups to scale and invest in the UK.
"Every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed and when given the right support and opportunities, they will grasp them," they said. "This government is supporting entrepreneurs to thrive – they are a key theme of our small business strategy to drive economic growth across the country – and with an 87% employment rate, graduates remain more likely to be in work than those without a degree."
So, what are your thoughts? Do you agree with the reasons these young people are leaving the UK? Do you see a future where they return, or is this a permanent shift? Share your opinions in the comments below!
