Serious answer: the language.

It’s the most widely spoken language (as a foreign language) in the world. Most of Africa, lots of Asia and also to a lesser extent the Middle East will have some working knowledge of English. Obviously lots won’t, but those that don’t will have images of the UK and the US through exposure to films and other media, mostly through social media.

Also remember, if you’re talking refugees, way more go to countries like Greece, Turkey and Germany. I’m sure a Google search will confirm this.

As for the Eastern Europeans who came here from 2004-16, there were more jobs available here than in their home countries, which paid better. Easy choice to make from their point of view, really - if they’ve got the gumption to up and go, then they did.

Bear in mind, regarding your question, what people in other countries (especially ones with restrictive governments) know about Britain will not be the whole picture.

Posted By: APB, Jan 2, 20:36:14