The cost of living in Bermuda and cost of healthcare were highlighted by Sandy De Silva, the executive director of the Family Centre, as top reasons for emigration.
“Another would be wanting more access to opportunities for children,” Dr De Silva said. “There could be services more specific to their needs overseas.
“It could be that their children are not excelling in school or have specialised needs. Some families are saying, ‘I want my children to have an excellent education specialised to their needs, and it either does not exist in Bermuda or it’s too expensive’.”
She said that sometimes whole families might not emigrate, but would send children to live with family members overseas.
“The underlying theme is the cost associated with meeting different needs, which the UK can provide for at a lower cost or at no cost.”
She added: “I would say it is younger families because they can afford to do the move. Even if it’s the paperwork.”
Dr De Silva said it was not an issue solely for lower-income families.
“We are seeing it with all income groups,” she said. “There is no one outstanding trend here.”
She said that the cost of living has had an impact on “multiple socioeconomic groups” in Bermuda.
Dr De Silva was unsure if the island’s rate of emigration had increased in recent years.
“We know it’s happening. There are different trends or themes behind it. But I really would need more data.”