Anti-Brexit Britons In Spain Identifying As Migrants, Not Expats

Spanish-speaking migrants in Spain are eschewing the British bars and embracing the Mediterranean diet while expressing a desire to reverse Brexit. While many British expatriates living in Spain enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings, a significant number of migrants are committed to integrating into their adopted country. These migrants prefer the Mediterranean diet over fish and chips, speak Spanish fluently, and are eager to see Brexit overturned.

The Anti-Brexit Britons In Spain

A recent study conducted by Dr. Jordi Giner of the University of Valencia and Dr. Kelly Hall of the University of Birmingham sheds light on the preferences and behaviours of British individuals who have relocated to Spain. The study found that a portion of Britons living in Spain choose to live within insular cultural bubbles where only English is spoken and interaction with Spaniards is limited. This is partly due to developers who market housing estates to British buyers, resulting in concentrated British communities.

Among the approximately 400,000 UK citizens residing in Spain, the largest group of Britons living outside their home country, there exists a spectrum of identities. Some individuals identify as migrants in their adopted country and have successfully integrated into Spanish society. Others, however, prefer to maintain their status as “expats” and gravitate toward expat communities that have formed along the Costas. These communities often frequent British establishments and have limited proficiency in Spanish beyond basic greetings.

Expats Or Migrants?

Nevertheless, there are British migrants who actively seek integration. Many expats who move to Spain fully embrace the culture and language by marrying Spaniards and becoming fluent in Spanish. Many of those who have integrated in this way have chosen to seek Spanish citizenship in response to Brexit, finding themselves straddling both identities, considering themselves somewhere between British and Spanish. Such individuals have been campaigning for the reversal of Brexit, motivated by a sense of disappointment rather than anti-British sentiment.

British individuals living abroad can have a complex identity that encompasses appreciation for their host country’s culture while still maintaining a connection to their British roots. After spending years living in Spain, many expats come to feel a sense of belonging but still enjoy aspects of British culture, like proper tea and digestive biscuits. Many expats living in Spain and elsewhere in Europe are hoping that the UK government will honour its pledge to repeal the rule that restricts voting rights for Britons living overseas for more than 15 years.

Although many British expats in Spain remain immersed in their British heritage through local communities, the work they conduct over there, and how they socialise, they are also often first to acknowledge the importance of integrating into Spanish society.

The experiences and attitudes of British migrants in Spain reflect a diverse range of identities and aspirations. While some individuals choose to live in insular communities, others actively pursue integration with the local population. The desire to reverse Brexit among these migrants highlights their disappointment with the outcome and their belief in the possibility of rectifying the situation. Ultimately, each individual’s approach to living in Spain reflects their personal choices and priorities, resulting in a rich tapestry of experiences within the British community.

Diverse Expatriate Communities

The presence of Spanish-speaking migrants who actively integrate into Spanish society highlights the diversity within expatriate communities. Expats in Spain may encounter a mix of individuals who are eager to embrace the local culture and those who prefer to maintain a stronger connection to their home country. This diversity can enrich expat communities by fostering cultural exchange and providing opportunities for meaningful interactions.

Integration As A Choice

The experiences of Spanish-speaking migrants emphasise that integration into the local culture and society is a personal choice. Expats in Spain can consider whether they wish to actively engage with the local community, learn the language, and adopt local customs. The example set by Spanish-speaking migrants can inspire expats to explore deeper connections with the Spanish way of life, potentially leading to a more fulfilling and integrated experience.

Benefits Of Language Acquisition

The preference of Spanish-speaking migrants for speaking Spanish fluently demonstrates the advantages of language acquisition for expats. Learning the local language facilitates communication, enhances daily interactions, and promotes a deeper understanding of the local culture. Expats who invest time and effort in learning Spanish can improve their overall experience and build stronger connections with the local community.

Shifting Dynamics In Expat Communities

The presence of Spanish-speaking migrants who eschew British bars and seek integration may influence the dynamics within expat communities. Expats who prioritise integration may find themselves connecting more with like-minded individuals who share a similar outlook and desire to embrace Spanish culture. This can lead to the formation of smaller, more diverse social circles within the larger expat community.

Reconsidering Identity

The desire of some Spanish-speaking migrants to reverse Brexit and maintain a sense of connection to their home country may prompt expats to reflect on their own identity and relationship with their home country. Expats in Spain may reassess their views on political matters, their sense of belonging, and their engagement with the political processes of both their home and adopted countries.

Overall, the experiences of Spanish-speaking migrants in Spain present expats with an opportunity to consider their own integration, language acquisition, and sense of identity. Expats can benefit from observing and interacting with diverse individuals within their communities, which can lead to a more enriched and fulfilling experience while living in Spain.

The Financial Implications

The financial implications of the experiences and attitudes of Spanish-speaking migrants in Spain, who eschew British bars, prefer the Mediterranean diet, and desire to reverse Brexit, can vary in several ways.

The preference for the Mediterranean diet among these migrants can have a positive impact on the local economy. The increased consumption of local produce and engagement with local food establishments supports local businesses, including farmers, restaurants, markets, and food suppliers. This can contribute to economic growth and job creation in the region, particularly in sectors related to agriculture and hospitality.

The concentration of British communities in certain areas, where housing developments are marketed to British buyers, can influence the local property market. The demand for housing from British migrants may contribute to price increases in these specific areas. Additionally, developers catering to British buyers may have a significant stake in the local real estate market. Changes in the preferences and behaviours of British migrants, such as a shift towards integration and seeking a more diverse range of housing options, can impact the dynamics of the property market in these regions.

The presence of British expat communities along the Costas, with their frequenting of British bars and eateries, contributes to the tourism and hospitality industry in those areas. British tourists and visitors are drawn to these regions, creating opportunities for businesses catering to their needs and preferences. However, the preference of Spanish-speaking migrants for integration and the Mediterranean lifestyle might influence the dynamics of the tourism sector, potentially leading to a diversification of offerings and experiences to cater to a broader international audience.

The desire of some migrants to reverse Brexit indicates their concerns about the economic implications of the UK’s departure from the European Union. If there were to be a reversal of Brexit, it could have wide-ranging financial implications for both British migrants and the local economies in Spain. Factors such as trade agreements, access to EU markets, and the movement of people and capital could be affected, potentially leading to shifts in investment patterns, employment opportunities, and economic stability.

It is important to note that the financial implications can be complex and multifaceted, influenced by various factors such as individual spending patterns, regional dynamics, and broader economic trends. The specific impact on the financial landscape will depend on how these preferences and behaviours evolve over time and interact with other economic factors at play.