[Whatshouldwedo]

Not at all, though of course you need to be able to support yourself at least initially. Benefits are available but only after a certain amount of time. Do you have any friends or family in the UK? That would help you resettle. As soon as you have an address you can register with a GP and are entitled to NHS services immediately. Also once you have an address you can open a bank account if you do not already have one.

When I initially returned in 1999, I was fifty four years old and was able to get a job fairly quickly. It can be an exciting time for you once you feel confident in making the move.

 

[Whatshouldwedo]

What about taking a 2-3 month sabbatical from your present job? Move to UK with some savings, do the airbnb, NHS registration, National insurance number, interview for a few jobs, see what the market is like and return to SA to tie up lose ends, if all goes well?

That is a great idea!