Brit expats leaving Spain 'in droves'

[Hector]

Is there a message to Cyprus both north & south?

https://bit.ly/3a6iqti

[d1cxx]

It certainly has crossed my mind, now that the over 60's unwritten "Gentleman's" agreement has been taken away.

[Chriswright03]

Many here either left or spoke loudly about leaving when the residency agreement was ended. Many seem to think that returning to the UK will solve all of their problems. Wherever you live there are rules including the UK. Bend with the breeze rather than throw all your toys out of the pram is the best advice I could offer anyone.

[Maisiemoo]

I know of a couple who are returning to the UK from Spain. They are being very cagey about the reasons trying to make out it's for medical reasons but I suspect it's because they never registered for residency. I also know someone who has done everything legally, gets marvellous medical treatment and has no intention of setting foot in the UK ever again.

[waz-24-7]

Yes
Such a shame.
My experience is of three English employees working hard for our customer FORD in Valencia have been forced to return to the UK where they remain unemployed. Devastated all them to essentially be ejected from Spain.
Hopefully as the pandemic is overcome we can find work for them.
Gibraltarians with UK passports face unprecedented difficulties off the Island.
How is Cyprus bearing up.
Not sure but clearly the passage between the two divided regions presents its own share of difficulties.

[Geoff1131]

Plenty of jobs in the UK Waz for those willing to work. Now that the UK has got rid of all the EU <<Moderated>>. Get your friends to train as HGV drivers they will have plenty of work.

[waz-24-7]

Plenty of jobs in the UK Waz for those willing to work. Now that the UK has got rid of all the EU <<Moderated>>. Get your friends to train as HGV drivers they will have plenty of work.

Excellent Idea. Ill pass that on.
I hope all the ex pats still living offshore , by choice and freedom (including Cyprus) take a similar view and high tail it back to the mother land so they can escape those pesky Europeans you refer to and of course save the United kingdom Union from imploding.

Oh dear.... such a pity.

[PoshinDevon]

Yes
Such a shame.
My experience is of three English employees working hard for our customer FORD in Valencia have been forced to return to the UK where they remain unemployed. Devastated all them to essentially be ejected from Spain.
Hopefully as the pandemic is overcome we can find work for them.
Gibraltarians with UK passports face unprecedented difficulties off the Island.
How is Cyprus bearing up.
Not sure but clearly the passage between the two divided regions presents its own share of difficulties.

My understanding is that to live and work in Spain you must hold a Spanish work visa and also be legally registered as a resident, complying with the rules governing residency.

Those leaving Spain in “droves” must have reasons for leaving.

These reasons could be down to many things such as; their work visa has been rescinded ( Maybe the company has been forced to shed jobs or make redundancies. Working hard unfortunately is no guarantee of a job, especially given the events of the past two years. Perhaps some never registered or had a work visa,

Maybe those living in Spain have never fully complied with the residency rules,for whatever reason and now find they must leave. Complying with the rules of residency of your host country is of course in place in the U.K. and all over the world. Rightly so.

Then of course for those who are older, the cost of medical cover/support could be an influence.

Some may feel that financially, their money no longer goes as far in Spain.

Then there is of course the desire of some to return to be closer to family or friends.

I think you may be suggesting that these English employees; may have been in your words, ejected from Spain due to the U.K. leaving the EU. Ejected is a strong statement to make. There are many reasons why people may leave a country where they have lived, worked or indeed retired. Circumstances change. Did they get ejected or did they leave for one of the reasons I have mentioned?

[waz-24-7]

Yes
Such a shame.
My experience is of three English employees working hard for our customer FORD in Valencia have been forced to return to the UK where they remain unemployed. Devastated all them to essentially be ejected from Spain.
Hopefully as the pandemic is overcome we can find work for them.
Gibraltarians with UK passports face unprecedented difficulties off the Island.
How is Cyprus bearing up.
Not sure but clearly the passage between the two divided regions presents its own share of difficulties.

My understanding is that to live and work in Spain you must hold a Spanish work visa and also be legally registered as a resident, complying with the rules governing residency.

Those leaving Spain in “droves” must have reasons for leaving.

These reasons could be down to many things such as; their work visa has been rescinded ( Maybe the company has been forced to shed jobs or make redundancies. Working hard unfortunately is no guarantee of a job, especially given the events of the past two years. Perhaps some never registered or had a work visa,

Maybe those living in Spain have never fully complied with the residency rules,for whatever reason and now find they must leave. Complying with the rules of residency of your host country is of course in place in the U.K. and all over the world. Rightly so.

Then of course for those who are older, the cost of medical cover/support could be an influence.

Some may feel that financially, their money no longer goes as far in Spain.




Then there is of course the desire of some to return to be closer to family or friends.

I think you may be suggesting that these English employees; may have been in your words, ejected from Spain due to the U.K. leaving the EU. Ejected is a strong statement to make. There are many reasons why people may leave a country where they have lived, worked or indeed retired. Circumstances change. Did they get ejected or did they leave for one of the reasons I have mentioned?

Yes Ejected may be rather a strong term to use.
The gents and their families involved have worked in Spain freely and legally under their European rights past six years. They are very well known to me. Of course this is only my experience but certainly not unique.
My understanding is that after the "divorce" the costs and administration ,red tape to live, work and prosper in Spain have proved too much for many, possibly "droves"
Certainly from a business prospective the new excluded regime has halted many from opening trading arms within the EU; me included.
The demise of opportunity is clear and I'm afraid the "new trade deals" promised just don't work in the real world.

People are generally clear upon my Brexit position and upon the outfall. It is most unfortunate that the pandemic has exacerbated the situation or has possibly masked the damage that exudes almost weekly .

The restrictions now in place upon UK passport holders in many EU countries including Cyprus are now rolling out.
Incidentally its not simply about your access via Ercan. Its the ongoing issues. Joe average will not go the extra mile to access the TRNC he will go to Turkey because its easier. My view is that UK visitors to and investors in the TRNC can only go one way.

It simply cannot be sold to me that I am better off outside of the European Union. I have real concerns now over the very Union that remains. The United Kingdom is in turmoil internally as Scotland seeks to leave and join the EU. Northern Island and the accord is under threat also and then of course Wales will likely grasp the independence baton.

UK government is being de centralised already After all the EU brussels bashers will likely now vent their anger upon Westminster until that is centre of governance is divorced from Wales , Scotland and NI.

I'm sorry but I think you really are hedging hope upon the distant future without substance or justification. The world is very small and co operations, unions and unified existence is a proven pathway to prosperity.
The UK cannot prosper or even benefit in its own British bubble of belief , self sufficiency and still feed off the glorified old days of empire and commonwealth.
My hope is that in due course a younger outward looking UK generation will once again look to Europe for unity, peace and a union of mutual prosperity. That may be a brussels OR London OR Dublin OR Edinburgh OR Paris led seat.. Who knows. I just feel its written in the stars.

[ginge]

Deleted

[jofra]

People are generally clear upon my Brexit position.....

Indeed - very much so.....
...annoyingly so...
...intolerably so...
...unacceptably so....
...even for those who voted to remain...
... so please give it a rest, Warren....

[Dalartokat]

Yes
Such a shame.
My experience is of three English employees working hard for our customer FORD in Valencia have been forced to return to the UK where they remain unemployed. Devastated all them to essentially be ejected from Spain.
Hopefully as the pandemic is overcome we can find work for them.
Gibraltarians with UK passports face unprecedented difficulties off the Island.
How is Cyprus bearing up.
Not sure but clearly the passage between the two divided regions presents its own share of difficulties.

According to someone from the Motor Trade on LBC radio this morning attending the Tory Conference in Manchester there is a shortage of Technicians and Motor Sales Staff……so maybe you could give the heads up to these people. Couldn’t find the conversation, but found this and there are many like it if you Google…… https://www.motor.com/2021/05/addressin ... -shortage/

[MVP]

I read the average time in a country of an expat is seven years.
I think many sell their UK properties and buy a nicer and cheaper house abroad.
The balance is spent on a holiday lifestyle until the money runs out....

[waz-24-7]

Yes
Such a shame.
My experience is of three English employees working hard for our customer FORD in Valencia have been forced to return to the UK where they remain unemployed. Devastated all them to essentially be ejected from Spain.
Hopefully as the pandemic is overcome we can find work for them.
Gibraltarians with UK passports face unprecedented difficulties off the Island.
How is Cyprus bearing up.
Not sure but clearly the passage between the two divided regions presents its own share of difficulties.

According to someone from the Motor Trade on LBC radio this morning attending the Tory Conference in Manchester there is a shortage of Technicians and Motor Sales Staff……so maybe you could give the heads up to these people. Couldn’t find the conversation, but found this and there are many like it if you Google…… https://www.motor.com/2021/05/addressin ... -shortage/

I'm certain the guys will find work back in UK. Each however takes the view that the new regime in European countries for UK ex pats, in this instance Spain, has become full of bureaucracy, cost and uncertainty.
The freedoms to easily live and work in sunnier Mediterranean climates has been forfeited and this is a real loss in my view. Of course in the TRNC the situation is different until possibly there is a Unification and the Island becomes a full uncontested European Union Member.
Without doubt some UK citizens will take up the challenge and still buy European homes and take on the said bureaucracy as foreigners in foreign lands

[EnjoyingTheSun]

in this instance Spain, has become full of bureaucracy, cost and uncertainty.
The freedoms to easily live and work in sunnier Mediterranean climates has been forfeited

You could go and live in Spain before it was in the EU and you’ll be able to go and live there now we have left the EU.
Sure you might need to have a skill they need to work there.
You may need to prove you can support yourself if you don’t plan to work.
Sure you’ll need to fill out some paperwork to prove who you are and where you are.
All common sense measures. So it may be a little more fiddly than it was but it is still possible.

Tabatha won’t be able to do a term of school in Tuscany at our expense but her family are more than able to pay.

Anyone who believes in completely open borders and has a lock on their front door is a hypocrite

[waz-24-7]

in this instance Spain, has become full of bureaucracy, cost and uncertainty.
The freedoms to easily live and work in sunnier Mediterranean climates has been forfeited

You could go and live in Spain before it was in the EU and you’ll be able to go and live there now we have left the EU.
Sure you might need to have a skill they need to work there.
You may need to prove you can support yourself if you don’t plan to work.
Sure you’ll need to fill out some paperwork to prove who you are and where you are.
All common sense measures. So it may be a little more fiddly than it was but it is still possible.

Tabatha won’t be able to do a term of school in Tuscany at our expense but her family are more than able to pay.

Anyone who believes in completely open borders and has a lock on their front door is a hypocrite

Thanks
Ill get the lads to pack their bags and get back over there because nothing has in fact changed since 1972.
oh dear!

[Hector]

My thoughts were that the TRNC are missing a trick. If they wanted to attract us 'swallows' who, lets face it, only contribute into the local economy, then they should scrap the changes to the visa rules and go back to when the over 60's could come and go as they wished with no 30 - 90 day limits within 180. It would also make using Ercan a far more attractive proposition and avoiding the same 90 in 180 day rules.

[benjaminbutton]

Hector, you are probably correct, but the day the Gentlemen's Agreement was disbanded, it was obvious successive governments were going to make matters difficult for us, one way or another. Yearly residency requirements being the first casualty.

[Keithcaley]

Deleted

One of the most sensible posts I've seen!

[waz-24-7]

My thoughts were that the TRNC are missing a trick. If they wanted to attract us 'swallows' who, lets face it, only contribute into the local economy, then they should scrap the changes to the visa rules and go back to when the over 60's could come and go as they wished with no 30 - 90 day limits within 180. It would also make using Ercan a far more attractive proposition and avoiding the same 90 in 180 day rules.

Indeed.
you would think any revenue is good revenue and to actively discourage same is a poor strategy. Certainly I think local indigenous Cypriots have less inclination for "swallow" money than say the imported gardeners, road crew, construction workers and general manual workers . Retail sector probably values swallow money.
The softer jobs of work such as police, government and admin workers are in the main Turkish Cypriots and are very well funded indeed by Turkish handouts .

To be a Turkish Cypriot is rather strange but not surprising in that generally they dislike mainlanders but love Turkish financial subsidies. Its a ticket to subsidised living with early retirement, long holidays and generally an easy life.
It could be said that a unification would hit Turkish Cypriots hardest as one would assume Turkish subsidies would stop.
I wonder what ex pats think on this matter.
Before the divorce I did think that upon a unification, as an EU citizen ,I could secure better privileges than being in the Turkish North. However that would mean a very rapid commercialisation of the north and a loss of that somewhat village feel you still see in many northern villages. I therefore took the view that peace prevails and live and let live was quite acceptable if not pleasing.
I shall make my first visit for a while very soon and take measure of the changes in access, travel and new rules.

[Up the Reds.]

I tend to agree Waz that the TC's tend to 'bite the hand that feeds them'. I know several that are really vitriolic towards the Turkish people who live here even though they and their families have happily accepted the financial help from the Turkish state. My own opinion also is that some of the current rules relating to immigration certainly do not encourage either 'ex-pats' or 'swallows' or even tourists to bring their money here. I have heard many who have defended the ending of the 'gentlements agreement' but it has to be said that the 'excuse' that the government didn't know how many of us were here just doesn't 'hold water'..For God's sake if you can get a list of your 'in's and out's' from the Police of course they knew this information. They have 'of course' the right to do whatever they like but if they take these actions it's a bit rich when the politicians endlessly 'waffle on' about 'the embargoes' etc. The economy here in the TRNC is on the floor' here after Covid so it really does need some 'out of the box' thinking to get the tourists and visitors here.
One suggestion I would like to make is that the 'Temporary Residency' for those have been here for over 5 years or are over 70 should be able to apply every 5 years bearing in mind the stress this puts on these 'silver tops'. Also the rules for 'the swallows' who own property here are really self defeating..the longer they spend here the more they put into this 'ailing' economy. I know I'm a very old 'silver top' who 'knows nussing' !!

[EnjoyingTheSun]

because nothing has in fact changed since 1972.
oh dear!

One big change was Spain didn’t join the EU until 1986!
Oh dear, did you not realise that?

[waz-24-7]

because nothing has in fact changed since 1972.
oh dear!

One big change was Spain didn’t join the EU until 1986!
Oh dear, did you not realise that?

Thanks
I do now,
Perhaps Spain too will leave and then we can start a union on NON EU counties with a central administration alternately in Madrid and London.

[PoshinDevon]

because nothing has in fact changed since 1972.
oh dear!

One big change was Spain didn’t join the EU until 1986!
Oh dear, did you not realise that?

Thanks
I do now,
Perhaps Spain too will leave and then we can start a union on NON EU counties with a central administration alternately in Madrid and London.

Those non EU countries to which you refer are far to sensible to want to “copy” anything the EU do.

As you are well aware the cost of alternating between two different locations is such a waste of time, effort and money.

[waz-24-7]

One big change was Spain didn’t join the EU until 1986!
Oh dear, did you not realise that?

Thanks
I do now,
Perhaps Spain too will leave and then we can start a union on NON EU counties with a central administration alternately in Madrid and London.

Those non EU countries to which you refer are far to sensible to want to “copy” anything the EU do.

As you are well aware the cost of alternating between two different locations is such a waste of time, effort and money.

"Perhaps Spain too will leave and then we can start a union on NON EU counties with a central administration alternately in Madrid and London."
Tongue in cheek .....of course

Alternating the chair of governance is indeed not ideal. However neither is the de centralisation ( separate assemblies in each member country) as seen in the UK. It is abundantly clear that this could possibly lead to the break up of the Union of Kingdoms that we see in our country. This plague of isolationism is hitting the UK like never in its history. The commonwealth is almost non existent and we grasp with fear the last solitary outposts after we gave back Hong Kong, next the Falkland Islands and then Gibraltar. Will Cyprus be lost too? The writing is on the wall is and has been there for many years.
I do hope the goal of prosperity and unity will emerge in due course .

[PoshinDevon]

Thanks
I do now,
Perhaps Spain too will leave and then we can start a union on NON EU counties with a central administration alternately in Madrid and London.

Those non EU countries to which you refer are far to sensible to want to “copy” anything the EU do.

As you are well aware the cost of alternating between two different locations is such a waste of time, effort and money.

"Perhaps Spain too will leave and then we can start a union on NON EU counties with a central administration alternately in Madrid and London."
Tongue in cheek .....of course

Alternating the chair of governance is indeed not ideal. However neither is the de centralisation ( separate assemblies in each member country) as seen in the UK. It is abundantly clear that this could possibly lead to the break up of the Union of Kingdoms that we see in our country. This plague of isolationism is hitting the UK like never in its history. The commonwealth is almost non existent and we grasp with fear the last solitary outposts after we gave back Hong Kong, next the Falkland Islands and then Gibraltar. Will Cyprus be lost too? The writing is on the wall is and has been there for many years.
I do hope the goal of prosperity and unity will emerge in due course .

The topic is about Ex pats leaving Spain in droves.

If ex pats are leaving Spain in droves there has to be good reason. Complying with the regulations around residency and living and working in Spain have always been in place. Now if you had legal employment and were complying with the regulations with regards to living in Spain surely you wouldn’t just give that up and return?

I do wonder how many are really leaving and the real reasons for the decision.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

This plague of isolationism is hitting the UK like never in its history. The commonwealth is almost non existent and we grasp with fear the last solitary outposts after we gave back Hong Kong, next the Falkland Islands and then Gibraltar. Will Cyprus be lost too? The writing is on the wall is and has been there for many years.
I do hope the goal of prosperity and unity will emerge in due course .

What plague if isolationism? We will now trade with more far flung countries than we have for 50 years which will strengthen the Commonwealth. Australia and New Xealand felt betrayed when we joined the EU so many be we can repair some of that damage.

Cyprus lost? Britain ‘lost’ Cyprus in 1960.

I can never work out if you know zero about history, like to revise it to suit, just stupid or completely loopy.

As for hoping for unity and prosperity, be honest.
Nothing will give you greater pleasure than the U.K. crashing and burning so you can blame it on Brexit.

[Brazen]

This plague of isolationism is hitting the UK like never in its history. The commonwealth is almost non existent and we grasp with fear the last solitary outposts after we gave back Hong Kong, next the Falkland Islands and then Gibraltar. Will Cyprus be lost too? The writing is on the wall is and has been there for many years.
I do hope the goal of prosperity and unity will emerge in due course .

What plague if isolationism? We will now trade with more far flung countries than we have for 50 years which will strengthen the Commonwealth. Australia and New Xealand felt betrayed when we joined the EU so many be we can repair some of that damage.

Cyprus lost? Britain ‘lost’ Cyprus in 1960.

I can never work out if you know zero about history, like to revise it to suit, just stupid or completely loopy.

As for hoping for unity and prosperity, be honest.
Nothing will give you greater pleasure than the U.K. crashing and burning so you can blame it on Brexit.

[Brazen]

This plague of isolationism is hitting the UK like never in its history. The commonwealth is almost non existent and we grasp with fear the last solitary outposts after we gave back Hong Kong, next the Falkland Islands and then Gibraltar. Will Cyprus be lost too? The writing is on the wall is and has been there for many years.
I do hope the goal of prosperity and unity will emerge in due course .

What plague if isolationism? We will now trade with more far flung countries than we have for 50 years which will strengthen the Commonwealth. Australia and New Xealand felt betrayed when we joined the EU so many be we can repair some of that damage.

Cyprus lost? Britain ‘lost’ Cyprus in 1960.

I can never work out if you know zero about history, like to revise it to suit, just stupid or completely loopy.

As for hoping for unity and prosperity, be honest.
Nothing will give you greater pleasure than the U.K. crashing and burning so you can blame it on Brexit.

[waz-24-7]

This plague of isolationism is hitting the UK like never in its history. The commonwealth is almost non existent and we grasp with fear the last solitary outposts after we gave back Hong Kong, next the Falkland Islands and then Gibraltar. Will Cyprus be lost too? The writing is on the wall is and has been there for many years.
I do hope the goal of prosperity and unity will emerge in due course .

What plague if isolationism? We will now trade with more far flung countries than we have for 50 years which will strengthen the Commonwealth. Australia and New Xealand felt betrayed when we joined the EU so many be we can repair some of that damage.

Cyprus lost? Britain ‘lost’ Cyprus in 1960.

I can never work out if you know zero about history, like to revise it to suit, just stupid or completely loopy.

As for hoping for unity and prosperity, be honest.
Nothing will give you greater pleasure than the U.K. crashing and burning so you can blame it on Brexit.

You hardly know what pleases me so please lets not make such brash assumptions.
the isolationism or nationalistic infection concerns the independence seeking and stand alone governance that Scotland is leading the way to secure.
The de centralised governance is a costly and unhelpful if not confusing level of bureaucracy. Take the covid rules and guidelines for each country for example. Can the Union of Kingdoms not take the common sense approach or has the EU influenced that too.
Regarding the trade deal...all promised...How many customers have we secured after divorcing the 28 best ones?
Australia counts ,I believe< for less than 1% of our GDP!!...It's too far away!! And of course they want to flood the UK with cheap lamb and mutton.
Trade deals are exactly that a two way trade for trade. It is simply no answer to the loss of the 28. Repair the damage. Austral asia has moved on immensely. their "local" far eastern trade is their source of wealth not the mother ship on the other side of the globe.

Yes Cyprus was lost in 1960..i believe you. I refer to sovereign territories still held.
My point is that old colonial Britain has long gone and the Rule Britania that Farage chants is also lost. As a manufacturing nation..we are simply too far gone, too many industries lost and not competitive enough.
History will tell upon the future of the UK and its prosperity. Rest assured i'll be doing my utmost to secure that prosperity but I remain, at this moment, with a weaker hand of cards than I had in 2016. I think generally business Britain takes a similar view. That is on the economic front. On the public front the issues are clearer now and still emerging.
Yes I will blame BREXIT within reason.After all the past woes are all EU produced are they not?

[PoshinDevon]

This topic is close to being locked.

Please stick to the title of the topic which is a discussion about ex pats leaving Spain in droves.

If anyone wishes to discuss Brexit (Again) please either start a new topic or post on an already existing Brexit topic.

Thank you.

[mrsgee]

I think waz needs to set up his own forum..... let's see how many followers he gets.... might be chatting to himself an awful lot. Fingers in ears la la la la.....

[waz-24-7]

This topic is close to being locked.

Please stick to the title of the topic which is a discussion about ex pats leaving Spain in droves.

If anyone wishes to discuss Brexit (Again) please either start a new topic or post on an already existing Brexit topic.

Thank you.

Indeed,
Is it the case therefore that the matter is not related to Brexit? Could someone else pick up the baton and discuss their views on Why "Brit expats leaving Spain 'in droves'

[waz-24-7]

I think waz needs to set up his own forum..... let's see how many followers he gets.... might be chatting to himself an awful lot. Fingers in ears la la la la.....

Thank you.
most interesting and useful contribution. No response needed or deserved.

[waz-24-7]

Just noticed how many "reads" this topic has generated. Several thousand!!

I am encouraged that some topics clearly do generate a level of interest and keeps the brain and soul ticking over. I am also thankful to those that contribute in a meaningful and sensible manner.
some unfortunately are not able to do that.
To the silent many that "read". Thankyou. The forum owners must also be grateful that such topics attract member interface in "droves" too

[jofra]

Just noticed how many "reads" this topic has generated. Several thousand!!
I am encouraged that some topics clearly do generate a level of interest and keeps the brain and soul ticking over....

...While in fact, contrary to your wishful delusions, it most probable that almost all of those "reads" are (like me) people who are checking (and devoutly hoping and praying) that there has been some intelligent contribution to the original subject, rather than due to any interest whatsoever in the endless mindless repetitive diatribe that has taken over yet another thread.
This "claim" of multiple reads indicating interest has been put forward before - and it is still a fantasy.

[Geoff1131]

It just occurred to me. Do you think by any chance that the Droves of people leaving Spain, could be people who are also sick to death of the EU?????? just a thought!!

[Up the Reds.]

One salient point is the requirement for income of £20K plus more for dependents. Many ex-
pats are pensioners who are likely to receive less than this.

[PoshinDevon]

For those interested this is a link which may be useful.

https://www.solicitorsinspain.com/artic ... ter-brexit

A couple of quick things I picked up:-

1. If you are a U.K. National and had been living in Spain “lawfully” for at least five years, then you could apply for permission to reside. Criteria were having no criminal record and a net income of not less than 799 euro per month for two. Or the equivalent in savings. Plus health insurance.

2. Those who do not qualify under the 5 year rule above will have any time spent in Spain count towards the 5 years. It appears initially a much higher monthly income amount of around 2000 euros is required. Or the equivalent in savings. After 5 years this amount is then greatly reduced. However if you had already lived in Spain for a few years this would count towards the 5 years required. Of course there are rules for those who wish to just retire to Spain or those who wished to work. Those working lawfully will very likely be being paid more than enough to allow them to remain.

Strangely (NOT) just prior to the U.K. leaving the EU there was a large increase in ex pats living in Spain looking to apply for permanent residency to lawfully remain.

Similar to the TRNC, Spain has rules and regulations which must be complied with in order to stay permanently. For those of retirement age who had been living lawfully in Spain, these were not that onerous. For those who had been living and working in Spain lawfully, again compliance with the regulations was straightforward.

For those who of course who perhaps were in Spain but perhaps did not comply with the regulations things were more difficult.

I see nothing wrong in having to follow the regulations of the country you wish to call home. Of course your host country does need to know you have no criminal record, have sufficient funds to live in the country and pay your bills, plus have health insurance should the need arise. All very sensible in ensuring that you are not a burden on the state.

So what was/is the “real” reason for the supposed numbers of ex pats leaving Spain in droves?

[kibsolar1999]

One salient point is the requirement for income of £20K plus more for dependents. Many ex-
pats are pensioners who are likely to receive less than this.

i really wonder how they will get on in UK then...

[Dalartokat]

This link is May 21 but gives a good example of what’s needed to live there (Euros) https://www.solicitorsinspain.com/artic ... ter-brexit

Some Pensioners in U.K. live on a lot less than £20,000, but can be topped up with certain benefits. For some Pensioners £20,000 is achievable through added private pensions.

[PoshinDevon]

One salient point is the requirement for income of £20K plus more for dependents. Many ex-
pats are pensioners who are likely to receive less than this.

i really wonder how they will get on in UK then...

A good point.

However; it does depend on personal circumstances. If you have no mortgage and savings/investments then an actual income in the form of pensions etc is likely to be sufficient. Of course there are still many who are not in this position, who may just have their state pension and are struggling financially. Succesive U.K. government’s have failed to really address this issue.

For those who have retired to Spain, been there lawfully for 5 years; the amount required each month in income or savings as per the regulations seems very reasonable. Those living and working in Spain lawfully are also very likely to be able to comply with the regulations. Those who have not registered their presence or have been working unlawfully are now facing the consequences.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

Is it the case therefore that the matter is not related to Brexit? Could someone else pick up the baton and discuss their views on Why "Brit expats leaving Spain 'in droves'

You relate everything to Brexit.
Are they leaving in droves? Where is the data?
There could be any number of reasons.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

Just noticed how many "reads" this topic has generated. Several thousand!!

I am encouraged that some topics clearly do generate a level of interest and keeps the brain and soul ticking over. I am also thankful to those that contribute in a meaningful and sensible manner.
some unfortunately are not able to do that.
To the silent many that "read". Thankyou. The forum owners must also be grateful that such topics attract member interface in "droves" too

No doubt because you always have something new and interesting to say.
Sorry I forgot, you don't do irony

[Dalartokat]

One salient point is the requirement for income of £20K plus more for dependents. Many ex-
pats are pensioners who are likely to receive less than this.

i really wonder how they will get on in UK then...

A good point.

However; it does depend on personal circumstances. If you have no mortgage and savings/investments then an actual income in the form of pensions etc is likely to be sufficient. Of course there are still many who are not in this position, who may just have their state pension and are struggling financially. Succesive U.K. government’s have failed to really address this issue.

For those who have retired to Spain, been there lawfully for 5 years; the amount required each month in income or savings as per the regulations seems very reasonable. Those living and working in Spain lawfully are also very likely to be able to comply with the regulations. Those who have not registered their presence or have been working unlawfully are now facing the consequences.

Some people have left due to the Health Insurance requirements needed. Years ago Brits were struggling in Spain with their pension due to not getting the increases. So what might be reasonable to some to raise the required amount to live there is still not achievable for those, so they could also be those that will have to come home. Also a lot of Brits took chances on going to Spain, living there for 6 months and not contributing. Not unique to Spain either. Have a look at “Bargain Loving Brits”


https://fb.watch/8CMd_mdY6-/

[PoshinDevon]

It’s Spain that have set the rules in place, especially around the amount of money/savings required to live there. They set these amounts to ensure those wishing to remain, live, work or retire in Spain have sufficient funds to support themselves and not be a burden on the state. Many countries do the same.

I am not convinced about the “leaving in droves” nor that people have been “ejected”. Would need to see evidence of this. Some will have left for health reasons or the cost of health insurance. However; there is no doubt that many have been living “under the radar” and are now facing the consequences.

[Dalartokat]

According to The Mirror…… https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-new ... s-25126419

[TAC]

The Mirror if that's the only source I wouldn't worry made up to sell papers

[EnjoyingTheSun]

Another factor could be the covid crisis.
Many who were leaving in Spain and going home once a year or having family visit them might not have been able to receive guests or go to the UK for the 18 months +. Also it has made a lot of people feel more more mortal and be a lot more frightened so maybe they are choosing to go back to the UK for their final years and be nearer their family?

There re no doubt a multitude of factors which might not be as simple as finding it complicated to fill in some paperwork or tick some boxes.
But I guess if you are still sulking that your individual vote wasn't the casting vote on our membership of the EU then you will clutch at this straw like every other one.

[Dalartokat]

The Mirror if that's the only source I wouldn't worry made up to sell papers

No its not the only source but the content is, in general, the same. Maybe you could find different.