World’s ‘worst country to live in as an expat’ is home to 200,000 Brits

If you’re thinking about moving to South Africa you’re most definitely not alone.

South Africa is already home to around 2.8 million expatriates who come from all over the world – including 200,000 Brits.

But before you make the move a new study that names the country as the ‘worst country to live in as an expat’ might be worth bearing in mind.

South Africa boasts absolutely incredible scenery – with sun-soaked beaches and breathtaking safaris – and the country’s economy is riding high as it predicts growth in spite of worldwide inflation.

However, South Africa is certainly not without its problems as a country with reports about corruption and mismanagement in government as well as significant unemployment and violent crime.

The rundown of so-called worst places for expats is by a publication called InsiderMonkey – and its prognosis is damning.

It says: “The quality of life is poor, encompassing both happiness and health categories. Safety and security-wise, this country is considered the worst.

“In terms of settling down, expats can experience certain hurdles. The working prospects in the country are also not great, and most expats are very dissatisfied with their salary and job security situation.”

But it’s not all bad news as the study also says that South Africa can provide a low cost of living and greater personal financial satisfaction.

It’s not the first time that the country has ranked poorly in terms of a place to move overseas – including for its health service available to Britons who have relocated there.

In 2022 it was revealed that South Africa has the lowest number of nurses compared to its population, with a rate of just 1.1 per 1,000 people.

This contrasts hugely with Switzerland, the country with the most nurses per head – with 17.96 practicing nurses for every 1,000 people.

Just last month British tourists were urged to avoid the country due to its close ties to Vladimir Putin and Hamas as well as its high crime rate.

MPs have warned South Africa is a “no-go zone” for British tourists due to “out of control” crime figures and the fact the country is moving “towards the axis of Putin’s Russia and the master terrorists who rule in Iran”.