Even that dull report doesn't seem to be so bad when the sun is shining
A new study from a visa application help website in the UK has revealed a 121% rise in visa applications in the first week of January from Britons looking to leave the UK. According to previous site statistics, January is historically the most popular month for people looking to leave the country, but 2014 has so far seen a bumper number of enquiries with ‘relationship breakdown’, being ‘fed up of the weather’ and ‘January blues’ all offered up as decisive factors.
The statistics, compiled by www.IXPVisas.com, were released in conjunction with a poll of 1,025 visa applicants all aged over 18 and all of whom expressed interest in moving abroad during January. The study has revealed some of the main reasons behind people wishing to escape to different climates during the first month of the year.
Respondents to the study were initially asked, ‘Why have you opted for January to look at moving abroad?’ to which the main reason, at 43%, was that it was a ‘new year and a new start’ so therefore a good time to look at moving away. 29% of respondents said that they wanted to celebrate Christmas with family before emigrating. A further 24% said that it was because there was ‘less competition with graduates’ at this time of year when looking for jobs abroad.
The study then asked respondents whether their application for a possible visa was ‘considered’ or a ‘spur of the moment’ decision, to which the majority, 61%, said it was a ‘considered decision’ and that it had been sometime in the planning. However the remaining 39% admitted that their thought process behind the application was more of a ‘spur of the moment’ decision.
Focusing on those who admitted that their decision to move abroad was more of a kneejerk reaction than a well thought out decision, the study asked for the reasons behind this spontaneity. From the responses, it emerged that 31% claimed a ‘relationship breakdown’ had led them to look at moving away. 24% said they were just fed up of ‘poor weather’ and wanted to enjoy a fairer climate. A further 18% said it was simply ‘January blues’ leading to them wanting a fresh start.
Those who planned a spur of the moment move abroad were asked how they intended to fund it. The majority, 42% said that they had ‘savings’ and that it was within their means, whilst 27% said they had enough to ‘set themselves up’ before looking for work. A fifth, 21%, claimed to have asked family members for help financially to fund their move.
Finally, all respondents were asked, ‘Do you see the move as permanent or more of a short term option?’ to which just two fifths, 38%, claimed that their intended move abroad was ‘permanent.’ The majority, 50%, claimed that their move was a ‘short term option’, whilst 12% were ‘unsure at this time.’
Liam Clifford of IXPVisas.com made the following comment: “We always see a spike of people looking to emigrate at this time of the year. Is it the January blues? It could be considered likely! With nothing much to look forward to in the first quarter of the year, a new life on a beach somewhere with sunshine blazing down is obviously an appealing prospect.”
He continued: “For those who’ve long considered emigration, January is often a good time as they enjoy Christmas with family and friends before moving away for an extended or perhaps indefinite period. For the kneejerk emigrants though, whilst living abroad is a fantastic experience, it’s probably wiser to think the move through before making such a life changing decision! After all, the January blues soon pass, whilst a move abroad is more difficult to rectify.”
By Toma Sukyte - for Female First