More than 100,000 young people aged 16 to 34 emigrated from the UK in the year to March 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics, as tough economic conditions and high rents drive skilled workers abroad. The net figure of 111,000 highlights a growing trend among ambitious graduates and professionals seeking better opportunities overseas, from Dubai to Berlin.
Ben, a 24-year-old Oxbridge graduate now working in finance in Dubai, said he had originally planned to return to the UK after a US scholarship but changed his mind. ‘London itself is a rip-off. Working people are squeezed, and the allure is waning,’ he said, citing ‘racial strife, toxic politics, a stagnant economy, and regional inequality’ as push factors. While he has reservations about the UAE, the role offered career progression.
Caitlin, 27, moved to Berlin three years ago after struggling to settle in London. ‘It was always so busy and expensive,’ she said. She now holds a Blue Card visa and enjoys a rental contract with stabilised rent in a large apartment at a fraction of London prices. However, she noted the language barrier and missing family, which may eventually draw her back.
Others, like Maisie, have embraced a digital nomad lifestyle, following the sun and remote work opportunities. The trend comes as the UK faces a potential net migration deficit, with young workers contributing to brain drain and economic challenges at home.
