Three-quarters of British nationals who emigrated in the year ending June 2025 were under the age of 35, according to the ONS, external.
But it has recently changed how it estimates British migration, so it is difficult to compare to previous years.
An ONS spokesperson said the data was not surprising because most migrants tended to be young.
David Little, financial planning partner at UK wealth manager Evelyn Partners, believes young people are choosing to work abroad due to the “increasingly negative economic narrative in the UK”, of high unemployment, rising debt and tax burdens, and fewer graduate vacancies.
Dubai, in particular, has transformed into a global career hub, attracting thousands of British workers with tax-free salaries, low crime rates and booming job market, he says.
“Destinations like the UAE offer tax-free living, a ‘can-do’ attitude, and a business-friendly environment that feels far more optimistic and rewarding,” he says.
“Interestingly, instead of the traditional ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ helping with a first home deposit, families are now supporting children with the costs of emigration and settling abroad.”
