Emigration: South African expats are returning, why?
Many South Africans who migrated from the country in the past few years are returning to SA with better prospects here than abroad.
Despite South Africa’s deteriorating infrastructure, rolling power cuts, water infrastructure disruptions and deteriorating road networks many South Africans who left the country for greener pastures are returning.
FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE
South Africans face daily challenges about basic services including electricity, water, transport and safety.
While these hurdles may seem significant to many people who think that South Africa is no longer the ideal place to call home, these issues seem insignificant to some SA expats who are returning to the country.
ALSO READ: Visa on arrival: 5 UNIQUE places SA passport holders can visit
REASONS SOUTH AFRICANS RETURN
Tax Consulting SA says that the return of South African expats is due to several factors.
Among these is the lower cost of living and the affordability of home ownership in SA.
This is compared to other countries that South Africans have migrated to.
Other reasons motivating a return to South Africa include:
- Climate and weather conditions,
- Fear of war and natural disasters,
- Longing for family and friends,
- High cost of living in overseas places including the USA, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
ALSO READ: Brilliant visa-free options for SA travellers! See here
FEWER EMIGRATION DRIVEN SALES
Despite messages about increased numbers of South Africans emigrating, FNB’s Estate Agents Survey for the fourth quarter of last year shows that property sales connected to emigration have decreased.
“Emigration-related sales were steady at 8%, significantly lower than the peak of 18% observed in 2019 but in line with the long-term average since Q4 2007,” FNB said, per BusinessTech.
REVERSE MIGRATION
Realtors in Johannesburg have spoken of increased property sales to South Africans returning to the country.
Principal of the Chas Everitt Hyde Park and Sandton, Rory O’Hagan, has noticed a reverse migration trend, where South African expats are returning to SA.
ALSO READ: South African expats are returning to Johannesburg!? See here
LUXURY PROPERTIES
O’Hagan said that some expat returnees are coming back to well-paying jobs in Johannesburg, amid the country’s skills shortages.
He stated that many of these individuals were also buying luxury properties in the city, at bargain prices.
ALSO READ: Pitso Mosimane returns to South Africa, here is why…