InterNations, the largest international community for people who live and work abroad, has released its latest survey covering topics such as quality of life, cost of living, personal finance, safety and security etc. The survey identifies Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Egypt among the world’s most dangerous places to live and work in, for expatriates. The Expat Insider Survey, by InterNations, is based on a poll of 20,259 expats representing 182 nationalities and living in 187 countries or territories,
South Africa and Nigeria, and Brazil were the worst-rated destinations from the safety and security angle, that includes peace, personal safety and political stability. Malte Zeeck, founder and co-CEO of InterNations observed that “South Africa, which ranks 64 out of 64 countries for this factor, 63% of expats say they don’t feel safe, and 22% even feel extremely unsafe’ ’The survey quotes a British expat who said that he missed the freedom to walk or ride anywhere at any time. A Belgian expat complained of the uncertain political situation, racism, corruption and high crime rate, as well as the weakness of the rand. Similar sentiments about lack of security and danger the expats face was expressed in Nigeria too. Moreover, Nigeria was the worst-rated country in the categories of travel and transportation, health and well-being.
About Kenya, a Danish expat regretted his inability to walk on the street due to security concerns and the compulsion to drive anywhere. A Croatian expat pointed out how “foreigners are often taken advantage of through stealing, scamming, and police stopping you just to make money from you. The roads are awful, traffic is just terrible, and the city is dirty.” Kenya, however, was ranked as the best destinations for leisure options and personal happiness.
On Egypt, the expats complained about the government, poor infrastructure, traffic congestion, poor condition of roads, buildings, etc. Egypt was also considered unsafe because of political instability.
