Move back to UK

[Preston City]

Hi All,
This is my very first post, apologies as this question has probably been asked multiple times, I found a thread but relates to 2012.

I moved to NZ 9 years ago, I met my ex wife in the UK she is from New Zealand of course. With the UK badly hit with recession around 2010 and with me losing my job we both decided to for me to visit New Zealand and if agreed would plan to relocate to NZ on a short term basis.

Having been here for 9 years, i’ve had a wonderful career as a Business Analyst, i find the Kiwis to be pleasant and have loved living here however I feel once you’ve succeeded in achieving what you want you’ve hit a dead end wall.

Just want to get opinions on how easy it is to move back, tips on trying to secure work before actually moving back, i’ve spoken to a number of recruiters who have emailed me about potential job opportunities, once they find out i’m still residing in NZ they always tell me to move back and then apply from home which sounds abit daunting, i’m worried it might take longer to find a job in my field with the competition being so
High.

Please if someone can offer some advice it will be gratefully appreciated.

[ALKB]

Originally Posted by Preston City

Hi All,
This is my very first post, apologies as this question has probably been asked multiple times, I found a thread but relates to 2012.

I moved to NZ 9 years ago, I met my ex wife in the UK she is from New Zealand of course. With the UK badly hit with recession around 2010 and with me losing my job we both decided to for me to visit New Zealand and if agreed would plan to relocate to NZ on a short term basis.

Having been here for 9 years, i’ve had a wonderful career as a Business Analyst, i find the Kiwis to be pleasant and have loved living here however I feel once you’ve succeeded in achieving what you want you’ve hit a dead end wall.

Just want to get opinions on how easy it is to move back, tips on trying to secure work before actually moving back, i’ve spoken to a number of recruiters who have emailed me about potential job opportunities, once they find out i’m still residing in NZ they always tell me to move back and then apply from home which sounds abit daunting, i’m worried it might take longer to find a job in my field with the competition being so
High.

Please if someone can offer some advice it will be gratefully appreciated.

I saw your post in the USA forum regarding Surinder Singh, so I am replying here as you will get more feedback regarding this in the UK forum.

There have been a lot of changes since the US thread from 2013.

Most importantly: the Centre of Life Requirement.

Before, British people and their non-EEA spouses could spend three months in an EU country (often Ireland due to proximity and language), work 16 hours/week minimum and then return under Surinder Singh.

As this was identified as a blatant way to circumvent UK domestic immigration rules, the UK added (similar to Denmark) the centre of life requirement.

Applicants now have to show, that they really moved their centre of life to the EU country and just three months are usually not enough, more like 6 months to a year minimum. They also have to show things like community involvement, learning the language, renting long term accommodation, etc.

With Brexit possibly happening anytime between now and end of October - if it happens - you may well not have enough time to move to an EU country, build up enough genuine 'I really planned to move to this country long term but then plans changed, oops' evidence to get back to the UK in time and might get stuck in Ireland, Malta, France, wherever you decide to go.

On the other hand, if you'd be willing to take the risk to possibly live in a different country in Europe for several years, you could of course visit UK a lot easier and more frequently than from New Zealand, so if UK spouse visa is too much of a hurdle, this might be a good first step?

[nyclon]

Your answer has nothing to do with the question which is very confusing. This thread has nothing to do with Surinder Singh.

[Crawford]

The recruiters are correct - it is much easier to obtain a job in the UK if you are already there.

Of course, some people have obtained jobs while living abroad, but usually it is easier once living in the UK.

As a Brit you just move back. No official documentation needed. (from your post I understand you are divorced from NZ wife)

With regard how difficult it is to get started again in the UK, you should have some monetary resources for deposits for accommodation/utilitities and living expenses until you get settled and back in work.

Just noticed that the OP had another post asking about SS route - that post is nothing like the post in this thread - it would appear he is married to a NZ and has a child ? Maybe he could post again to clarify his situation ??

[ALKB]

Originally Posted by nyclon

Your answer has nothing to do with the question which is very confusing. This thread has nothing to do with Surinder Singh.

As I mentioned, I was referring to their post in the US forum asking about Surinder Singh, which is now locked because it was tacked onto a thread from 2013 but didn't make sense to move that post since it would not have made sense on its own.