According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more people are packing up and heading abroad. In the year ending December 2024, an estimated 517,000 people emigrated from the UK, up 11% on the previous year. At the same time, immigration fell from 1.3 million in 2023 to 948,000 in 2024.
So, what’s behind the change, and what does it mean for those planning an international move?
After several years of uncertainty, it seems many Britons are once again feeling confident enough to make the leap overseas. Whether it’s a long-planned retirement abroad, a work relocation, or a lifestyle move for better weather and new opportunities, emigration is clearly back on the rise.
For removals companies like Squab, this shift is a welcome sign that international mobility is returning to pre-pandemic patterns but it’s also more complex than before. Logistics, customs procedures, and shipping routes continue to evolve, meaning trusted expertise has never been more important.
“We’re definitely seeing renewed interest in overseas relocations,” says Paul Tracey, Managing Director at Squab. “Customers are taking the time to plan carefully, they want to know everything from transit times to packing standards and destination services before committing. It’s a big move, and people want reassurance that their belongings will be handled properly from door to door.”
Meanwhile, with fewer people moving into the UK, removals specialists are adapting to balance import and export work, coordinating shipments and maintaining international partnerships to keep moves running smoothly in both directions.
Whether customers are heading for Europe, the US, Australia or beyond, Squab’s international removals team provides complete support, from professional overseas packing, marine insurance, legal guidance to a free home survey.
“International moves require a lot of coordination, but for us, it’s about giving people confidence to start their new chapter wherever they’re headed,” adds Paul Tracey.
If you’re planning a move abroad in 2026, find out how Squab can help make it seamless – with trusted international partners and award-winning service built on decades of experience.
Please contact us to discuss your move further Contact Us or call us on 01926 270023.
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