Expats flock to Asia for higher quality of life

Both Singapore and China were placed in the top end of Natwest’s annual Quality of Life index, with expats citing the areas’ impressive career and educational opportunities as key reasons for their relocation.

Singapore was placed fourth in the index up from seventh in 2013, while China rose six places to come fifth.

71% of the expats surveyed said they moved to China for its job prospects, while 87% said they earned more than they did in the UK, while Singapore was praised for its “excellent childcare and education” and strong work ethic.

However, Singapore was also criticised for its high cost of living, which comes after it overtook Tokyo to become the world’s most expensive city in March.

France, Spain, and Portugal took the bottom three places in the index for the first time in seven years, coming tenth, eleventh, and twelfth respectively. Natwest said this trend was likely to continue into the future.

The index was topped by Australia, while the United Arab Emirates came third, with British expats looking to the areas for a higher quality of life for their children and improvements to their health.

South Africa and Hong Kong came seventh and eighth in the poll, with the number of work visas issued in the latter to UK citizens jumping by 45% as a result of its low taxes, efficient public transport, and widespread use of English.

However, the region was also criticised for its shortage of international schools, overcrowding, and air pollution.

The Quality of Life study rated expats’ lives abroad based on assessments of a variety of lifestyle indicators.

Dave Isley, head of NatWest International Personal Banking said: “With the heyday of Europe seemingly forgotten, the Far East has tempted many expats to dip their toes to dip their toes into a different life, one they appear to be reaping the benefits of.”

The complete NatWest International Personal Banking Quality of Life Index 2014