Whats the difference between an expat & an immigrant?
We often get questions about our use of the term expatriate in our company name or the term expat in our content. People ask what is the difference and for some the term expat garners real resentment at what they see as a cleaner word used for wealthy Westerners moving abroad vs poor immigrants moving into the West.
Is there a difference?
The terms "expat" (short for "expatriate") and "immigrant" are often used to describe people living in a country other than the one in which they were born or hold citizenship. However, the connotations and typical contexts in which these words are used can differ significantly.
Expat (Expatriate)
Definition
An expat is often considered to be someone who has moved to another country, typically for work-related reasons, and often with an intention to return to their home country eventually.
Connotation
The term is often associated with professionals, such as those sent abroad by their company for a specific assignment or those who have chosen to work in another country for a period.
Duration
The move might be temporary, although this is not always the case.
Socio-Economic Implications
Expats are often perceived as having a higher socio-economic status, and the term might be used more commonly with people from Western or economically developed countries.
Immigrant
Definition
An immigrant is a person who has moved to another country with the intention of living there permanently or for an extended period.
Connotation
This term is often used more broadly and includes anyone who has moved to another country for various reasons such as family, work, refuge, or a better life.
Duration
The move is generally intended to be long-term or permanent.
Socio-Economic Implications
The term doesn't carry the same professional or socio-economic implications as "expat." It is a more inclusive term, encompassing people from various backgrounds and reasons for moving.
Summary
While both terms describe people living in a country other than their original one, "expat" often has connotations of a temporary, professional, or higher socio-economic status move, while "immigrant" is a broader term describing a long-term or permanent relocation. The usage of these terms can also reflect societal biases and may vary between cultures and contexts.
We at ProACT use the term expatriate to refer to anyone moving from one country to another to work, live or retire whatever their socio-economic background.
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