Uncertainties Generated during the Brexit Process among Highly Qualified Spanish Workers

Abstract

This article analyses the influence of Brexit on the decision of Spanish workers in the UK to remain or return to Spain. With this aim, we conducted a qualitative research study based on 38 in-depth interviews with Spanish migrants living in the UK just a few months before the country’s actual exit from the EU. We find that, despite the persistent idea of returning to their country of origin, there are social and economic factors that “anchor” these migrants to remain in the UK. However, the Brexit process has acted as a catalyst, “de-anchoring” and breaking down identification with the destination country. This study finds that the settlement of Spanish workers’ in the UK is not only conditioned by personal factors but that new social, economic and political events in the host country play an important part in this process.