Bermudians abroad open up on reasons for leaving home
Lack of affordability in Bermuda and opportunities for greater “life satisfaction” abroad have been highlighted as main drivers for people leaving the island, based on recent surveys.
Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, told the House of Assembly that the Government had engaged the analysis firm Global Research to delve into the factors behind emigration — interviewing Bermudians who had left the island along with adults still in Bermuda.
Mr Hayward said: “The survey reveals that the most common reasons cited for emigration are the high cost of living and the lack of affordability, particularly beyond retirement, as well as limited employment opportunities and lack of job growth.
“These economic pressures prompted Bermudians to seek better prospects overseas.
“When comparing quality of life, respondents reported significantly higher satisfaction with life overseas, particularly in areas such as the cost of living, healthcare affordability, access to social activities and overall life satisfaction.”
Other drivers included access to specialised healthcare for people with disabilities, and the impact on families from gang culture.
Some respondents listed greater acceptance overseas of LGBTQ+ people as cause for leaving, with others reporting that “friendlier policies and atmosphere” on the issue would entice them not to seek a different life abroad.
The survey included in-depth interviews with 20 Bermuda emigrants, 13 of whom left the island less than five years ago, who were asked to explain why they decided to emigrate.
The group’s top three reasons for leaving the island were listed as the cost of living, employment opportunities and education.
Another 105 emigrants took part in a survey, with the respondents leaving the island on average of 7.4 years ago.
For the group, the cost of food and groceries, the cost of housing and utilities, the cost of healthcare, the difficulty of retiring on the island and the lack of career opportunities were listed as reasons for leaving.
The study also surveyed 416 Bermudians who still live on the island about their satisfaction with life on the island.
More than half of the respondents said they might consider moving from the island at some point, while 7 per cent stated that they had taken active steps to move.
Mr Hayward said survey respondents said that a more manageable cost of living, better job opportunities, improved education and initiatives to make Bermuda a “more vibrant and appealing place to live” were factors that might have encouraged them to stay.
Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, told the House of Assembly that a Cost of Living Summit will be held on June 25 to bring stakeholders together for dialogue to “shape immediate and long-term responses”.
Ms Lightbourne noted that the ministry had carried out surveys on the cost of living, receiving responses from more than 2,000 residents and 200 businesses.
“The findings reveal that nearly 70 per cent of residents report moderate to extreme financial strain, with housing and groceries emerging as the most unaffordable necessities,” she said.
“Businesses, on the other hand, point to labour costs, regulatory fees, energy costs and high rents as key barriers to affordability.
“While some relief measures are already in place as an extension of the recent 2025 Budget cuts led by this government, there is a clear call from both the public for broader and more targeted interventions, including expanded tax relief, enhanced landlord-tenant protections, subsidies for essentials and greater regulatory streamlining.”
Ms Lightbourne said it is expected that the summit will result in a comprehensive report outlining policy recommendations, sector-specific comments and immediate next steps for implementation.
“In the third quarter, the ministry will present proposed legislative and regulatory amendments and will launch communications efforts to ensure continued transparency as we advance this critical work,” she said.
She conceded there were “no quick fixes” but pledged to undertake “swift, thoughtful action”.
“While the survey found that many Bermudians value family, friendships, the island’s natural beauty and safety, it also highlighted concerns about governance, rising crime and limited social opportunities,” he said.
“Overall satisfaction with life in Bermuda was rated as fair, with the highest satisfaction in personal relationships and safety, and the lowest in cost of living, healthcare and governance.
“Notably, 53 per cent of respondents indicated they may consider emigrating in the future, with 7 per cent likely to do so within the next two years.
“This is a significant portion of our population — and it is imperative that we listen to their concerns and act decisively.”
Mr Hayward said the survey showed challenges, but also opportunities to create a road map for change.
“By addressing affordability, expanding opportunity, and enhancing the quality of life, we can create a Bermuda where more of our people choose to stay, and where those who have left feel welcome to return,” he said.
“The beauty of the island, being close to family and friends and living in a safe environment were all aspects that respondents valued about life in Bermuda.”
• For the statements and survey results, see Related Media
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