Expat Retirees In Spain Urged To Take Part In New Academic Survey

British expats living and working in Spain are required for a new university study.

Britons in residence in Spain are now being urged to join in a new study in order to discover how many are considering repatriation to the UK as a result of the pandemic. Led by Dr Charles Betty and Dr Jordi Giner from the University of Valencia, both of whom are expert researchers on the subject of migration to Spain for retirement purposes, the survey will examine the effect of the pandemic on older expats’ lives and decisions.

Dr Betty, now 97 years old, was the oldest person ever to be awarded a PhD, having received the post-graduate degree from Northampton University two years ago. In addition, he was awarded an MBE at the beginning of this year for his work with the expat community. The aim of the survey is to establish whether a combination of Brexit and the pandemic is influencing their decisions to either stay in Spain and wait out for improvements or relocate to the UK. He told local media the survey would identify how best to help those who’ve decided to return.

Those who participate in the study can be assured their contributions will remain anonymous and will not be shared with anyone but the research team. Given the mounting pressure of Brexit’s final approach, the fear of losing Spain’s free, top-quality healthcare, issues with permanent residency and the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on both countries’ economies, the decision whether to stay or go is now far more difficult than it was prior to the arrival of the virus.