Emigration is a Life-Changing Decision—Make Sure You’re Doing It for the Right Reasons
Emigration is one of the most significant decisions you can make in your life. It’s not just about moving to a new country; it’s about uprooting your life, adapting to a new culture, and starting over in a place where you may have no connections. While emigration can open doors to incredible opportunities, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Understanding the difference between good and bad reasons for wanting to leave your country is crucial to ensuring your move is successful and fulfilling.
In this article, we’ll explore the right and wrong reasons to emigrate, helping you make an informed decision about whether leaving your home country is the best choice for you. As someone who has moved in and out of Canada and has firsthand experience with fresh immigrants, I know all too well that the grass is not always greener on the other side. I’ll list the reasons and share my personal experiences towards the end.
Good Reasons to Emigrate
1. Better Economic Opportunities
One of the most compelling reasons to emigrate is the pursuit of better economic opportunities. If your home country has limited job prospects, stagnant wages, or a lack of career growth, moving to a country with a stronger economy can be a game-changer.
- Example: Many skilled professionals from developing countries move to places like Canada, Australia, or Germany, where their qualifications are in demand and salaries are higher.
- Tip: Research job markets in your target country and ensure your skills are transferable. Many immigrants face challenges where their experiences and qualifications are not recognized. Some employers may also consciously or unconsciously discriminate against foreign workers.
2. Higher Quality of Life
If your home country lacks access to quality healthcare, education, or infrastructure, moving to a country with better public services can significantly improve your quality of life.
- Example: Retirees often move to countries with lower costs of living and better healthcare systems, such as Portugal or Thailand.
- Tip: Consider factors like healthcare accessibility, safety, and lifestyle when choosing a destination.
3. Tax Advantages
For high-net-worth individuals or business owners, tax incentives can be a strong motivator for emigration. Some countries offer favorable tax regimes for entrepreneurs and investors.
- Example: Countries like Singapore and the UAE have low or no income tax, making them attractive to wealthy individuals.
- Tip: Consult a tax advisor to understand the financial implications of moving to a new country.
4. Family Reunification
If your spouse, children, or other close family members live abroad, emigrating to join them can be a valid and emotionally rewarding reason to move.
- Example: Many people emigrate to reunite with family members who have already settled in another country.
- Tip: Research family reunification visa requirements in your target country. Some countries offer citizenship by descent. Spousal sponsorship is also possible if your spouse has another passport.
5. Expanding Your Options
Many countries allow for dual citizenship. Emigration does not mean you never come back. Getting your second (or third) passport boosts your options. Your resettlement could be part of a wider diversification strategy.
- Example: I personally have a pessimistic view of Canada’s future. Although I have roots and connections here, I chose to leave. I always have the option to come back to Canada if and when the situation gets better (or if my new home gets worse).
- Tip: Understand your privileges and responsibilities as a citizen or resident of both the country you are leaving and planning to go to. Get a good understanding of how you can maintain dual citizenship which typically involves renewing your passport.
Bad Reasons to Emigrate
1. Running Away From Problems
Emigration is not a magic solution to personal problems. If you’re dealing with issues like debt, relationship troubles, or career dissatisfaction, moving abroad won’t make them disappear—it might even exacerbate them.
- Example: Someone struggling with debt might find it harder to manage finances in a new country with higher living costs. Not to mention, this person probably wouldn’t have the financial resources to make the move to begin with.
- Tip: Address personal issues before considering emigration. Focus on self-improvement first.
2. Chasing a “Perfect” Country
No country is perfect. Every destination has its own set of challenges, whether it’s high taxes, cultural differences, or bureaucratic hurdles. Moving abroad with unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment.
- Example: Some people idealize countries like Canada or Australia, only to find that they struggle with high living costs, punishingly high taxes, or harsh weather.
- Tip: Research your target country thoroughly and visit before making a permanent move. Try to take off the tourist goggles and visualize everyday life.
3. Following Trends or Peer Pressure
Emigrating because it’s “the thing to do” or because your friends or family are doing it is a recipe for regret. Emigration should be a personal decision based on your unique circumstances and goals.
- Example: Moving abroad just because everyone in your social circle is doing so, without considering whether it aligns with your own aspirations. Just because it worked out for your friends, it doesn’t mean it’ll work out for you.
- Tip: Take time to reflect on your motivations and ensure they align with your long-term goals.
4. Ignoring Financial Realities
Emigration can be expensive, from visa fees and relocation costs to setting up a new life abroad. Moving without sufficient savings or a stable income source can lead to financial stress.
- Example: Some people underestimate the cost of living in their target country and end up struggling to make ends meet. Although some countries like Thailand have a relatively lower cost of living, there can be hidden and unexpected costs to living there such as sudden health emergencies.
- Tip: Create a detailed budget and ensure you have enough savings to cover at least 6-12 months of living expenses.
5. Looking For a Place to Belong
Culture shock is a real challenge when moving abroad. If you’re not prepared to adapt to a new culture, language, or way of life, you may find it difficult to integrate and feel at home.
- Example: Someone who moves to Japan without understanding the language or cultural norms may struggle to build a social network.
- Tip: Learn about the culture and language of your target country before moving. If you have trouble building your social network in your current home country, moving to a new country with new challenges and barriers likely won’t make it easier.
Know Yourself
Emigration is a life-altering decision that requires careful thought and planning. Here are some steps to help you determine whether it’s the right choice for you:
- Assess Your Reasons: Are you moving for positive, well-thought-out reasons, or are you running away from problems? You may want to talk with your friends. Professionals can only advise on technical aspects such as taxation and visa requirements. Your friends and family can give you a more holistic opinion.
- Visit Before Moving: Spend time in your target country to get a feel for the lifestyle and environment. Try to take off the tourist goggles and visualize everyday life.
- Research! Research! Research!: Even if you visit the country and live for a month, there will always be some unexpected things you didn’t plan for. The more you know, the higher the chance you’ll make the right decisions and mitigate risks.
My Thoughts & Experiences
As someone who moved to Canada from Hong Kong in 1996, I witnessed how my parents and other immigrants struggled to secure suitable employment in Canada. And it wasn’t due to an economic downturn—my parents arrived during a period of prosperity. The issues of cultural integration and discrimination are real. While many employers may not deliberately discriminate against you, language barriers and differences in work culture can make it hard for them to take a chance on you.
It’s not just my parents. It’s quite a common sight to see doctors or engineers arrive in Canada only to become Uber drivers. Many immigrants arrive in Canada with money, but when they can’t find jobs, they may have to resort to self-employment, such as starting a restaurant or other small businesses.
Besides the shock of not finding their desired employment, many also become shocked at the high cost of living in Canada. The high taxes ensure you don’t have much left from your paycheck after deductions. Being a “car-based” country, having a car is a necessity. Maintaining a car is expensive, as Canadians pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the world, and that’s on top of numerous taxes on gasoline and other ongoing costs of ownership. With inflation in the spotlight in recent years, many fresh immigrants find it difficult to survive in Canada, much less save money for the future.
After 2019, another wave of emigration from Hong Kong occurred, and again, I’m seeing the same trends. Some Hong Kongers moved abroad because it was the trendy thing to do. Many left behind their professional office jobs, only to find that their experiences and credentials were not recognized in Canada, forcing them to work low-skilled, minimum-wage jobs. When you struggle with the cost of living and are unable to find suitable employment, you have no freedom. I’m always of the opinion that economic freedom is more critical than political freedom.
Remember, the world is full of opportunities, but the best move is the one that’s right for you. Wherever you are planning to go, be sure to do enough research and plan for the worst-case scenario. Besides understanding the country, you need to understand yourself.
Also see this article about Lifestyle factors to consider when choosing a new home country. For example, if nightlife is important for you, I can tell you firsthand that Canada is probably not the country for you.