Choosing where to live and work as an immigrant in the UK can be an incredibly difficult decision, especially if you don’t have any existing ties. If you aren’t yet sure where you’d like to settle as an immigrant, Essex may be the place for you…

If you plan on permanently moving to the UK, the first (and most important) decision you’ll need to make will be based around where you would like to move to. Of course, this decision may seem a little overwhelming at first, especially if you’ve never visited the UK before. That said, it’s something you’ll need to arrange as soon as possible.

There are plenty of potential destinations in the UK which may be suited to your individual circumstances, with one of the most attractive being Essex.

If you have decided to apply for skilled worker visa to live and work in the UK, we’ve put together a list of eight reasons why you should consider relocating to Essex. Be sure to read on to find out more…

Credit: Christin Hume via Unsplash

8 Reasons to Move to Essex as an Immigrant

1. London is Right on Your Doorstep

If you aren’t already aware, Essex is a county directly to the east of London. Getting to and from London and Essex is pretty straightforward, and takes no time at all, which is a positive factor for a number of potential reasons.

If you end up finding a job in London, but are unable to afford to live there (which is often the case for many people), you can find a place to live in Essex and commute there when necessary. Being so close to London is also handy if you’re simply looking for a day trip!

2. Two Airports

If you think that you’ll be making fairly regular trips in and out of the UK, even after you have permanently relocated, you’ll no doubt be spending plenty of time in airports. Lucky for you, Essex is host to two international airports: London Stanstead Airport and London Southend Airport.

London Stanstead serves over 160 destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia, while London Southend Airport flies to 50 locations in Europe.

3. High Quality Education

If you’re planning to move to Essex with your family, then you’ll be covered when it comes to choosing a school for your children to attend. Essex has a number of schools with excellent reputations, which means your children are likely to receive high quality education, setting them up perfectly for the coming years.

The Sunday Times Schools Guide ranked schools in Colchester, Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea as some of the best in the country. If there are spaces available at these schools, then you should take advantage.

4. Plenty of Transport Links

Getting around Essex is a doddle. There are plenty of train routes which run around the county and into London, while buses can take you to every corner of Essex with minimal fuss.

If you plan to drive when you come to the UK, you’ll also be happy to hear that this is relatively straightforward in Essex too. The A12, M25, A127, A13 and A130 are simple to navigate, and ensure every part of the county is easily accessible.

Credit: Ant Rozetsky via Unsplash

5. There is a Wide Range of Housing Options

There are a number of factors which will determine the sort of accommodation you’ll be able to afford when you come to the UK. The income to your name already, your job prospects, and the size of your family will influence the sort of home you’ll be able to live in and the area you settle down in.

In Essex, there are a wide range of different housing options which can suit various budgets. While the average house price in Essex is higher than the rest of the UK (£379,000 compared to £271,000), that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of affordable options available to buy or rent.

6. Business Opportunities in Essex Continue to Expand

The sheer number of commercial opportunities in Essex continue to grow year on year. This is highlighted by the number of start-up businesses that are being launched, even in spite of the difficulties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020 alone, 5,105 new businesses were formed in Essex, which was a 6.9 percent increase on the previous year.

7. Vast Range of Different Types of Work on Offer

On that same note, there are a wide range of different job opportunities in Essex which will cater to all types of skills and previous experience. There are plenty of typical corporate, retail or technology jobs that you can explore in Essex. Or, as we have seen, there is always the option to set up your own business from scratch!

8. Support Programmes to Ease Integration

Moving to a brand-new country can be a very daunting prospect and, in many instances, rather overwhelming. If you decide to move to Essex, you’ll have the benefit of being able to work with organisations such as the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL).

RAMFEL is a charity supporting migrants with a wide range of issues, including immigration rules, integration support, and housing services. RAMFEL is a not for profit organisation that currently works with over 1,000 immigrants across Essex and London.

Credit: Jason Goodman via Unsplash

Are You Considering a Move to Live and Work in Essex?

In this post, we’ve discussed some of the reasons why moving to live and work in Essex is a solid choice for you and your family. You’ll no doubt have a list of potential destinations in mind, but these reasons should help to make your final decision a little more straightforward!

Have you got any questions about what it’s like to live in Essex as an immigrant? If so, feel free to leave a comment below so we can keep the discussion going.

Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained immigration professional. Be sure to consult an immigration professional or solicitor if you’re seeking advice regarding your move to the UK. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Photo credits:

Photo 1 – Christin Hume via Unsplash

Photo 2 – Ant Rozetsky via Unsplash

Photo 3 – Jason Goodman via Unsplash