The desire to move to another country on the other side of the globe is good. For many people, especially Africans, the UK is a fantastic destination. Some believe they’ll get better jobs and pay rates in the UK, while others mainly seek to study at UK’s revered institutions.
Are you looking to relocate or move to the UK anytime soon?
This article will discuss some vital information on why you should reconsider moving to the UK.
7 Reasons Why You Should Reconsider Moving to the UK
In planning to move to the UK, you must examine seven critical factors from their good and bad sides. Carefully review the information we shared below to understand these factors and why they are essential for better decisions.
1. Visas for the UK
The good: if you possess one of the sought-after skills in the UK, your visa processing should be much smoother. The UK has a long history of embracing skilled workers from countries abroad.
The not-so-good: the UK has stringent Visa requirements to curb illegal immigration, violation of visa terms, and overstaying after a visit. Don’t be surprised by the numerous conditions you must meet to obtain a UK work permit.
2. Nature of Work in the UK
The juicy side: the UK has attractive employee benefits and strong labor laws. Full-time workers in the UK are generally entitled to at least 20 days’ leave every year. Additionally, the UK’s parental and sick leave benefits are pretty good.
The not-so-juicy: higher competition is typical in most industries in the UK. Many companies offer enticing employment packages but only to highly-skilled senior workers.
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3. General Lifestyle in the UK
The sweet: residents of the UK have easy access to some of the best arts, culture, and sporting events experience. Football (soccer) fans get to watch their favorite teams live in the stadium. Aside from soccer games, many other international events, including music concerts, are commonly held in UK cities like Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, and London.
The not-so-sweet: many expatriates aren’t excited about traditional British food. UK’s Fish and chips are nice, but the complete English breakfast with beer might not appeal to you. You can get international food (your country’s meal) from restaurants nationwide.
4. Culture Shock in the UK
The interesting: a long history of immigration to the UK will make you find other people like you that moved there earlier. There is healthy diversity in UK’s population, and this is more pronounced in cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and London.
The not-so-interesting: Britain’s exit from Europe (Brexit) is a significant political movement that has caused restrictions that affect food, fuel, and labor. You will notice the proximity of the UK to Europe but be surprised at how Brexit separates both nations.
5. Weather Conditions in the UK
The good: summertime often makes UK people come alive. You will see more people outside under the sunshine at local parks and beer gardens.
The not-so-good: get ready for the UK’s unpredictable weather. Bring a lot of furry clothes because the winter is usually long and cold.
6. Education in the UK
The attractive: public schools in the UK are free and accessible to all legal residents. Plus, the schools are great, especially if your kids understand and speak English.
The not-so-attractive: the standard of education in the UK’s public schools isn’t the same. The best public schools are often oversubscribed and can be very picky. Even worse, the inner-city areas have lots of failing schools.
7. Healthcare in the UK
The upside: Even as an expatriate, you will have easy access to standard healthcare via the National Health Service (NHS) for free or little cost. Medication costs are considerably subsidized and cheaper in the UK than in other nations.
The downside: The NHS in the UK is known for having a long waiting list for specialist treatments because it’s a publicly funded service. You might have to use more expensive private healthcare to bypass the NHS’s long waiting list at critical times.
Our Closing Thoughts
We’ve told you why you should reconsider moving to the UK. Take all we have discussed in this article and use them to make better decisions and prepare well before leaving.
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