The great retreat: Up to a million Romanians came to the UK to work as cleaners and builders… now nearly 40,000 are leaving each year to escape crime, the crumbling NHS and the cost of living

Many Romanians moved to the UK for work over past decades. However, growing numbers now choose to return to Romania.

A family chooses Romania again

First, Alexandra Stamate and her husband Florin moved to Bristol in 2015. Rising costs pushed them to leave with their three UK-born children. In 2020, they bought two acres near Apold for £6,500 and started farming.

Why some say life got harder in Britain

Next, some returnees cite crime, drugs, and daily money pressure in Britain. Brexit, meaning the UK left the European Union, also shaped attitudes for some. Others say the NHS felt strained, and the weather made life harder.

Why Romania looks more attractive now

Also, Romania’s stronger economy draws people back, with wages up over 700% in ten years. The ONS, the UK’s official statistics office, said 37,000 Romanians left by June, while 14,000 arrived. Housing costs stay lower too, with Bucharest two-bed rents around 300–500 euros.

Finally, Romania’s government encourages returns with grants for new businesses. For many families, better value and peace now tip the balance.

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