Spain–United Kingdom relations: the socioeconomic and legal issues of migration between both countries

Details

Supervisors

Arblaster, Paul

Faculty

Faculté de philosophie, arts et lettres

Degree label

Master [120] en communication multilingue, à finalité spécialisée: langues des affaires

Abstract

Since the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the Hispano–British relationship has been faced with a daunting challenge that significantly affects its well-being: the regulation of its bilateral migration. While numerous expatriates are struggling with the brand new set of rules applied to their residence abroad, those who wish to emigrate from Spain to the UK, and vice versa, have little choice but to comply with stricter immigration conditions. This thesis first aims to assess the present-day situation of bilateral international relations between the two countries, then explores them from a historical point of view. It also dissects the complex current process of legally settling as a non-national in these states and describes the sweeping changes made by their respective government due to Brexit. In its final part, the dissertation provides a comparative study whose objective is to examine and compare the main socioeconomic issues of migration on both sides, particularly in today’s context. The study is largely based on the findings of a survey conducted among more than 60 expatriates living as foreign residents in either the UK or Spain.