New UK University Study Reveals Brit Expat Brexit Fears

A new study of British expats in Spain undertaken by London University’s Goldsmiths College has revealed continuing alarm and confusion over the effects of Brexit.

According to the survey, many more British expats are becoming fully registered, but the process itself is causing concern and alarm about the country’s one-size-fits-all regulations and their effects on complex living and family situations. Spain’s British expat community is estimated to be between one million and 300,000 either full or part-time residents, and doesn’t in any way resemble the traditional white, working class stereotype usually represented.

Major diversification occurred following the 1992 advent of free movement, with today’s expat presence in the country embracing every type of diversity existing in the home country. A high number of young UK citizens are now living, working and bringing up their families in Spain’s major cities, with many now having close family members with serious health problems still in the UK. Concerns now exist that sick or elderly relatives will now be banned from joining their adult families now resident in Spain.

Others whose adult children are looking to study outside Spain aren’t certain this will be possible. The survey reveals Brits in Spain are regarded simply as long-term tourists by both the UK and Spanish governments, with neither taking any responsibility for the massive expat presence in both states and dual citizenship not allowed. Other fears include a hike in the financial requirements for long-stay expats, with a few already deciding to reluctantly return to the UK after decades of living in Spain.