Brexit: why British expats are worried

[alanrchase]

I am an unconcerned British expat.

Why is nobody asking me why I am not worried?

Because you have 60 baht for a beer?

[7by7]

Tony Blair’s former chief of staff told the BBC Newsnight yesterday that there should be another referendum before Britain is allowed to leave the EU. An immediate sign that the political class will try to sabotage the Brexit vote.

Exit polls, published after the polls closed on Thursday, suggested a Remain victory by a narrow margin; about the same as the actual one for Leave.

I watched as Farage made a public TV statement conceding defeat because of this.

In that statement he said that he could accept the result had there been something like a two thirds vote to remain, but as the margin of victory for remain was so small, there should be another referendum as soon as possible.

In the morning, once the actual result was known, he had, of course, completely changed his tune and was crowing about his magnificent victory!

[7by7]

The next British PM will be a key player in all this so I hope the polls choose wisely.

The polls?

We will play no part in the decision. The next PM will be the leader of the Conservative party and chosen by members that party alone.

We wont have a say until the next General Election in 2020.

[Thaidream]

Actually, I meant the politicians which of course will choose the next PM. the term polls is an Americanism for politicians.

[7by7]

Ah, the difference between American English and British English!

As Shaw, or maybe Wilde, said: " America and Britain; two nations divided by a common language!"

[Asiantravel]

Tony Blair’s former chief of staff told the BBC Newsnight yesterday that there should be another referendum before Britain is allowed to leave the EU. An immediate sign that the political class will try to sabotage the Brexit vote.

Exit polls, published after the polls closed on Thursday, suggested a Remain victory by a narrow margin; about the same as the actual one for Leave.

I watched as Farage made a public TV statement conceding defeat because of this.

In that statement he said that he could accept the result had there been something like a two thirds vote to remain, but as the margin of victory for remain was so small, there should be another referendum as soon as possible.

In the morning, once the actual result was known, he had, of course, completely changed his tune and was crowing about his magnificent victory!

whichever side called for another referendum is academic anyway because based on what the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said just this afternoon there is no time. And boy do they show their true colours now that the love affair is over

" “Britons decided yesterday that they want to leave the European Union, so it doesn’t make

any sense to wait until October to try to negotiate the terms of their departure,” he said.

It’s not an amicable divorce, but it was not exactly tight affair anyway.”

Jean-Claude Juncker

Edited June 25, 2016 by Asiantravel

[uptheos]

Nigel Farage has disowned a pledge to spend £350 million of European Union cash on the NHS after Brexit.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-referendum-result-nigel-farage-nhs-pledge-disowns-350-million-pounds-a7099906.html

[ilostmypassword]

Tony Blair’s former chief of staff told the BBC Newsnight yesterday that there should be another referendum before Britain is allowed to leave the EU. An immediate sign that the political class will try to sabotage the Brexit vote.

Exit polls, published after the polls closed on Thursday, suggested a Remain victory by a narrow margin; about the same as the actual one for Leave.

I watched as Farage made a public TV statement conceding defeat because of this.

In that statement he said that he could accept the result had there been something like a two thirds vote to remain, but as the margin of victory for remain was so small, there should be another referendum as soon as possible.

In the morning, once the actual result was known, he had, of course, completely changed his tune and was crowing about his magnificent victory!

whichever side called for another referendum is academic anyway because based on what the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said just this afternoon there is no time. And boy do they show their true colours now that the love affair is over

" “Britons decided yesterday that they want to leave the European Union, so it doesn’t make

any sense to wait until October to try to negotiate the terms of their departure,” he said.

It’s not an amicable divorce, but it was not exactly tight affair anyway.”

Jean-Claude Juncker

And boy do they show their true colours now that the love affair is over

It wasn't the EU that sought the breakup. Or do you think the vote for Brexit was the UK's way of saying "I love you." to the EU?

Edited June 25, 2016 by ilostmypassword

[jesimps]

A drop in the pound combined with whats shaping up to be a smashing of global markets will make it difficult for many here now. Im guessing many will return to the safety net of Britain and hopefully will cull some of the Thai bashing expats who are usually struggling to survive anyway..

Would prefer if it was all the Thai-bashing policemen who were planning to leggit. Pain in the rear end the lot of you.

[elgordo38]

ME ME ME.

Bit harsh there Rooo... what about British expats in Thailand, or are they a different case compared to expats who've chosen to retire to an EU country?

This Brexit caper wasn't even on the horizon when they made their collective decisions to leave the UK... don't you think someone has earned the right after paying taxes their whole working lives to spend their twilight years in the sun, away from the UK if they should choose to?

This race to push my currency to the bottom was not in effect when I left my home country. Now it has lost about 30% Governments care little about us expats they just want to devalue the dollar so that businesses can compete with the US on a unlevel playing field. These same businesses that cannot compete on a dollar by dollar basis (and as such should be left to go bankrupt) but cry to the government to devalue the currency and give them an edge. As Mr. Nanny states I guess you could include these business whiners in the Nanny state as well. Its called Commercial Socialism. Businesses constantly looking for a government handout from the money we paid in taxes. Our small underfunded pensions are going for a good cause I guess. Governments around the world want to take a scalpel to our the small "dole" we now receive after paying into it for 30 years. At least older people are held in a higher respect here in Asia than at home.

[Basil B]

The likely out come will be...

Those who have jobs or living off a pension or have adequate funds to support themselves will probably be allowed to stay, the rules are likely to be reciprocal.

Those who do not have a job that provides sufficiently for them and their families will be asked to leave, when they retire they will have to have sufficient funds or pension to remain.

As for Europeans coming to the UK or Brits going to Europe to work, set up a business or retire in preference to those outside the UK and Europe will depend on negotiations, but almost certainly arrangements will be reciprocal.

Again Brits travelling to Europe for a holiday, if they had to get visas this would be a killer for for the European travel and hospitality industry likewise the UK imposing visa requirements on Europeans would be a kick in the "gullies" for our travel and hospitality industry, my views on this is requirement to apply on line for free e-visa.

[alanrchase]

The likely out come will be...

Those who have jobs or living off a pension or have adequate funds to support themselves will probably be allowed to stay, the rules are likely to be reciprocal.

Those who do not have a job that provides sufficiently for them and their families will be asked to leave, when they retire they will have to have sufficient funds or pension to remain.

As for Europeans coming to the UK or Brits going to Europe to work, set up a business or retire in preference to those outside the UK and Europe will depend on negotiations, but almost certainly arrangements will be reciprocal.

Again Brits travelling to Europe for a holiday, if they had to get visas this would be a killer for for the European travel and hospitality industry likewise the UK imposing visa requirements on Europeans would be a kick in the "gullies" for our travel and hospitality industry, my views on this is requirement to apply on line for free e-visa.

A free e-visa? My tax money going down the drain.

[Basil B]

The likely out come will be...

Those who have jobs or living off a pension or have adequate funds to support themselves will probably be allowed to stay, the rules are likely to be reciprocal.

Those who do not have a job that provides sufficiently for them and their families will be asked to leave, when they retire they will have to have sufficient funds or pension to remain.

As for Europeans coming to the UK or Brits going to Europe to work, set up a business or retire in preference to those outside the UK and Europe will depend on negotiations, but almost certainly arrangements will be reciprocal.

Again Brits travelling to Europe for a holiday, if they had to get visas this would be a killer for for the European travel and hospitality industry likewise the UK imposing visa requirements on Europeans would be a kick in the "gullies" for our travel and hospitality industry, my views on this is requirement to apply on line for free e-visa.

A free e-visa? My tax money going down the drain.

Do not those in the travel and hospitality industry pay tax too? with fewer tourists will not many of them become non tax payers dependent on benefits?

What I was proposing was no different to to what the banks do today, charging counter services and free cash withdrawals and deposits by machine, and free on line transactions.

By applying on line for say a e-visa names and details could be cross checked on-line against undesirables on certain databases with no actual human being involved, and very little cost.

[alanrchase]

The likely out come will be...

Those who have jobs or living off a pension or have adequate funds to support themselves will probably be allowed to stay, the rules are likely to be reciprocal.

Those who do not have a job that provides sufficiently for them and their families will be asked to leave, when they retire they will have to have sufficient funds or pension to remain.

As for Europeans coming to the UK or Brits going to Europe to work, set up a business or retire in preference to those outside the UK and Europe will depend on negotiations, but almost certainly arrangements will be reciprocal.

Again Brits travelling to Europe for a holiday, if they had to get visas this would be a killer for for the European travel and hospitality industry likewise the UK imposing visa requirements on Europeans would be a kick in the "gullies" for our travel and hospitality industry, my views on this is requirement to apply on line for free e-visa.

A free e-visa? My tax money going down the drain.

Do not those in the travel and hospitality industry pay tax too? with fewer tourists will not many of them become non tax payers dependent on benefits?

What I was proposing was no different to to what the banks do today, charging counter services and free cash withdrawals and deposits by machine, and free on line transactions.

By applying on line for say a e-visa names and details could be cross checked on-line against undesirables on certain databases with no actual human being involved, and very little cost.

Visas, banks? Maybe my bank should pay for visas? Happy to pay for a service that helps me, you seem to think others should pay for you.

[tonypace02]

Brits can be overbearing and pompous at times. But here we are chatting about those survivors and children of survivors of Hitler's blitzes on London. During that firestorm they were a courageous and tenacious people. They haven't changed. They will easily survive this economic sun shower, most likely in a way that will be quite annoying.

[alanrchase]

Brits can be overbearing and pompous at times. But here we are chatting about those survivors and children of survivors of Hitler's blitzes on London. During that firestorm they were a courageous and tenacious people. They haven't changed. They will easily survive this economic sun shower, most likely in a way that will be quite annoying.

And we and our American friends retaliated with the fire bombing of Dresden and Cologne. Wonderful times.

[ilostmypassword]

Tony Blair’s former chief of staff told the BBC Newsnight yesterday that there should be another referendum before Britain is allowed to leave the EU. An immediate sign that the political class will try to sabotage the Brexit vote.

If the results had been reversed, it would have been Nigel Farage, the leader of the Brexit movement, doing the sabotage:

ICYMI – last month he [Farage] announced that he would fight for a second referendum on Britain in Europe if the remain campaign won by a narrow margin. Calling a small defeat for his leave camp ‘unfinished business’, he predicted a second referendum on Europe.

Back then, he told the Mirror: ‘In a 52-48 referendum this would be unfinished business by a long way. If the remain campaign win two-thirds to one-third that ends it.’

http://metro.co.uk/2016/06/24/remember-that-time-nigel-farage-said-52-48-votes-should-lead-to-second-referendum-5963900/

Edited June 25, 2016 by ilostmypassword

[ilostmypassword]

Actually, I meant the politicians which of course will choose the next PM. the term polls is an Americanism for politicians.

Actually it's "pol" not "poll".

[Richard W]

How will the British public react if told that, having voted to leave the EU there was going to be absolutely no difference to the right of EEA nationals to live and work in the UK?

We could always follow Liechtenstein's precedent and allow them to work but not to reside in the UK. If it's too far to commute, that's tough.

[7by7]

<snip>

As for Europeans coming to the UK or Brits going to Europe to work, set up a business or retire in preference to those outside the UK and Europe will depend on negotiations, but almost certainly arrangements will be reciprocal.

Again Brits travelling to Europe for a holiday, if they had to get visas this would be a killer for for the European travel and hospitality industry likewise the UK imposing visa requirements on Europeans would be a kick in the "gullies" for our travel and hospitality industry, my views on this is requirement to apply on line for free e-visa.

A free e-visa? My tax money going down the drain.

Pure speculation on my part, of course; but I imagine that EEA and Swiss nationals will become non visa nationals, like some nationalities, for example Americans, already are.

This means they would not need to obtain a visa in advance to enter the UK for up to 6 months as a standard visitor, but would need to do so in order to enter the UK for any other purpose; such as to work, study or live.

Of course, for this to happen those countries would have to agree to similar arrangements for British nationals entering their country.

[alanrchase]

<snip>

As for Europeans coming to the UK or Brits going to Europe to work, set up a business or retire in preference to those outside the UK and Europe will depend on negotiations, but almost certainly arrangements will be reciprocal.

Again Brits travelling to Europe for a holiday, if they had to get visas this would be a killer for for the European travel and hospitality industry likewise the UK imposing visa requirements on Europeans would be a kick in the "gullies" for our travel and hospitality industry, my views on this is requirement to apply on line for free e-visa.

A free e-visa? My tax money going down the drain.

Pure speculation on my part, of course; but I imagine that EEA and Swiss nationals will become non visa nationals, like some nationalities, for example Americans, already are.

This means they would not need to obtain a visa in advance to enter the UK for up to 6 months as a standard visitor, but would need to do so in order to enter the UK for any other purpose; such as to work, study or live.

Of course, for this to happen those countries would have to agree to similar arrangements for British nationals entering their country.

My point was more to do with if you want a service expect to pay. Why would someone expect a free visa?

[bkkcanuck8]

I was just talking to a expat working for a bank in the Caribbean and his only thought was.... how does he apply for Scottish citizenship. I told him I figured that those that were non-resident probably would be given a choice... but he would have to wait and see. His greatest worry is that the UK vote out would affect his mobility for work within the EU.

[7by7]

alanrchase,

Even when a traveller is allowed allowed visa free entry, Border Force still have to do some work; immigration officers checking passports at UK ports of entry.

So are you saying everyone entering the UK should pay a fee to cover this?

If so, would you be happy to pay Thai immigration a fee every time you entered Thailand visa free for 30 days?

Edited to show to whom I am replying.

Edited June 25, 2016 by 7by7

[bkkcanuck8]

alanrchase,

Even when a traveller is allowed allowed visa free entry, Border Force still have to do some work; immigration officers checking passports at UK ports of entry.

So are you saying everyone entering the UK should pay a fee to cover this?

If so, would you be happy to pay Thai immigration a fee every time you entered Thailand visa free for 30 days?

Edited to show to whom I am replying.

Isn't it already covered in the AOT fee of 700 or so baht (exit tax)?

Canada now has some fee for most travellers since most have to go to a website and get an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) before travel (7CAD)

Edited June 25, 2016 by bkkcanuck8

[7by7]

You could use the same argument to say that free e visas for the UK are already covered by the UK's Air Passenger Duty.

Except for both, everyone has to pay it; national or not, visa holder or not.

[puck2]

Nigel Farage has disowned a pledge to spend £350 million of European Union cash on the NHS after Brexit.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-referendum-result-nigel-farage-nhs-pledge-disowns-350-million-pounds-a7099906.html

Yes, a very reliable man/party

[Boatfreak]

With permanent stays and work permits it will be a completely different issue.

Can'r see how, as there has been not vote to leave the EEA.

To the best of my knowledge, the UK actually did vote on it and has to reapply....... But as I wasn´t 100% sure, i quickly googled it and amongst many many pages commenting on this point were the BBC with

What happens to UK citizens working in the EU?

A lot depends on the kind of deal the UK agrees with the EU after exit.

If it remains within the single market, it would almost certainly retain free movement rights, allowing UK citizens to work in the EU and vice versa.

If the government opted to impose work permit restrictions, as UKIP wants, then other countries could reciprocate, meaning Britons would have to apply for visas to work.

and the Center for European Reform say:

After a vote to leave, the UK must invoke Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, which could lead to several alternatives to membership. One simple option would be for Britain to join the European Economic Area (EEA) – the ‘Norwegian’ option. Britain would then be outside the common agricultural and fisheries policies. But its economic relationship with the EU would not change significantly: it would pay nearly as much into the budget as it does today, free movement of labour would continue, and the UK would have to apply the single market’s rules and regulations without having a vote on them.

You don't want IN but you want OUT sorry, it doesn't work that way, build your wall and enclose yourself. Happy days to you.

[SheungWan]

The education level of the average UK expat in Thailand LEAVE voter would be too low for them to have hedged their sterling savings, not to mention those totally reliant on sterling income stream for their living expenses. Fortunately they are able to console themselves by repeating the mantra 'short term pain, long term gain.

[Thaiwine]

Nigel Farage has disowned a pledge to spend £350 million of European Union cash on the NHS after Brexit.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-referendum-result-nigel-farage-nhs-pledge-disowns-350-million-pounds-a7099906.html

Yes, a very reliable man/party

FARAGE.GIF

That bus was nothing to do with Nigel Farage

That was the Leave bus not Nigels if you remember his bus was an open top purple one.

[bkkcanuck8]

With permanent stays and work permits it will be a completely different issue.

Can'r see how, as there has been not vote to leave the EEA.

To the best of my knowledge, the UK actually did vote on it and has to reapply....... But as I wasn´t 100% sure, i quickly googled it and amongst many many pages commenting on this point were the BBC with

What happens to UK citizens working in the EU?

A lot depends on the kind of deal the UK agrees with the EU after exit.

If it remains within the single market, it would almost certainly retain free movement rights, allowing UK citizens to work in the EU and vice versa.

If the government opted to impose work permit restrictions, as UKIP wants, then other countries could reciprocate, meaning Britons would have to apply for visas to work.

and the Center for European Reform say:

After a vote to leave, the UK must invoke Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, which could lead to several alternatives to membership. One simple option would be for Britain to join the European Economic Area (EEA) – the ‘Norwegian’ option. Britain would then be outside the common agricultural and fisheries policies. But its economic relationship with the EU would not change significantly: it would pay nearly as much into the budget as it does today, free movement of labour would continue, and the UK would have to apply the single market’s rules and regulations without having a vote on them.

The UK was not a member of the EEA. They were a member of the EU and have voted to leave. One of the greatest reasons why people voted to leave the EU was because of immigration issues. While it makes sense to grandfather in everyone currently working in the UK or UK citizens in the EU with a "visa" which expires after they leave their current employment/country, it makes no sense on continuation of free movement of employment.... immigration goes both ways and you cannot just have immigration to work in the EU freely without the opposite direction also part of it.

If the UK wanted to be a member of the EEA they would have to apply, but I don't see that happening.

The UK has voted to leave, they should invoke article 50 and start/finish negotiations with haste as to limit the damage caused by uncertainty.