Poll: Higher income a top priority for expats

Earning a higher income in their new country of residence is one of the top reasons expatriates prefer living abroad, according to a study by Alliance & Leicester International.

Simon Ripton, joint managing director of the organisation, states a number of other factors - such as a reduced crime rate and higher standard of living - are also a major consideration for emigres.

He notes the poll indicates better weather is the main reason people choose to move to another country, with 57 per cent of respondents citing it as the main reason they rate their new country higher than the UK.

"As we are coming into winter, it is easy to see why they would think that," Mr Ripton adds.

In terms of negative aspects of emigration, he explains the major downside is the lack of closeness to friends and family, something which could perhaps be helped with visits to their old country of residence paid for using money transfers.

"The other main downside that some expats experience is down to difficulties caused by the language barrier - and maybe that is why New Zealand and Australia are very popular destinations," he concludes.