A significant percentage of South Africans are considering emigration, but some returnees highlight the challenges often paired with leaving your home country.
A recent study by the Inclusive Society Institute has revealed that the number of South Africans considering emigration remains disturbingly high — although many who have returned say “the grass is not always greener on the other side”.
When it comes to preferred destinations, Swanepoel said the United States ranks highest, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Australia. The data shows that, since 2000, around 413 000 South Africans have emigrated to other countries, and in 2022, just under 28 000 made their way back.The saying “the grass is not always greener on the other side” resonates deeply with Sherie Naidoo, a teacher from Pietermaritzburg, who sought a more financially stable future by emigrating to the UK in August 2023.“It was the hardest journey of my life. Emigrating is not for the faint of heart.
“It was almost quadrupling in price and there was no way we could see saving towards a house, getting our dogs over, a car and still saving for our visas. It was impossible!” she said.“My husband and I are thrilled to be back! You have to leave your country to realise that the grass is not always greener on the other side and to realise that SA is actually not all that bad,” she admits.
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