Travel

Think emigrating is a young person’s game? Think again

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Planning a move abroad can be a significant undertaking that requires a great deal of thoughtful consideration. Banking and taxes, housing and visas—and then there’s the statistic that nearly half of all those who emigrate do so in order to further their career. It’s no wonder emigrating is considered a young person’s game.

But what about those of us looking to emigrate later in life? Well, the destinations that have proved most popular in recent decades—Australia, the USA and former countries of the Commonwealth—have delivered somewhat of a blow to many Britons hoping to retire outside the UK.

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Why is emigrating traditionally a young person’s game?

Canada’s immigration system is one example that looks to prioritise immigrants under 35 years old, while New Zealand didn’t accept British migrants over the age of 56 (which is beyond the Skilled Migrant Category) until 2010. Now, the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa only grants a two-year permit.

Why? It’s about the economy. The US Citizenship and Immigration Service stipulates a Green Card might be awarded to those who make an investment in a commercial enterprise that plans to create or preserve at least ten permanent full-time jobs for qualified US workers. Other routes to residency require proof of a permanent employment opportunity in the US and employer sponsorship. Even then, it takes a minimum of three to five years to become eligible for citizenship.

In Canada, meanwhile, it was recently revealed that the government is proposing a fast-track visa and work permit as part of a newly unveiled Global Skills Strategy. The strategy is meant to help Canadian businesses attract global talent while creating jobs for Canadians within the home economy. There’s a real focus on skills, which leaves few options for retiree emigrants.

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So, what are the options for emigrating later in life?

A Caribbean island destination might just hold the answer. Age is little concern when citizenship by investment programmes make it possible for those who invest in Grenada’s economy or real estate development to live or work in the country.

Unlike the US and Canada, there is no requirement to reside in Grenada before or after citizenship is granted. But then, why wouldn’t you? With its azure sea, serene beaches, and abundance of tropical vegetation, Grenada stands as a true gem of the Caribbean. It’s three composite islands are safely tucked below the hurricane belt, and each enjoys stretching white beaches, set on a background of plunging mountain peaks and luxurious tropical rainforests.

By emigrating to the Caribbean, you’ll not only be investing in your own future, but that of future generations and the country itself. To apply for CBI in Grenada, for example, investors can contribute to National Transformation Fund, which finances various projects in Grenada for the benefit of its many industries, including tourism, agriculture and alternative energy.

And aside from the blissful sun-dipped paradise of these islands, one of the biggest draws to countries like Grenada, Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis is that the primary language spoken is English.

And just because there’s no work requirement to emigrate to these Caribbean isles, doesn’t mean you can’t embark on a new career abroad. Emigrating can be a fresh start and a new opportunity to start over again.

With entrepreneur-friendly governments and widespread opportunities to retrain, reeducate and relatively streamlined licensing requirements, expat owners of record studios, eco-lodges, restaurants and creative schools proliferate. There’s even an Entrepreneurship Program for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC) that provides in-depth training, skills development and advisory services any budding entrepreneurs.

With the added benefit of permanent residency and citizen status from day one, there are no barriers to your ambition. Think emigrating is a young person’s game? Think again.

 

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Derek

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