Ex Pat or Immigrant - Page 2

'Normally' expat refers to someone who has been recruited  by a company/organisation abroad and has an 'expat' allowance/salary tax benefits to work/live in a specific country, it can often mean that they have a special status and are not considered 'resident' for fiscal purposes... That's always been my understanding of it!

That's strange, I have heard and seen in print many people using the term ex-pat, a lot on this site, and I don't notice many of them being idiots or snobs. I cannot see why anyone would get offended or annoyed at such a harmless term. 

Aitch. 

Exactly. This has always been my understanding of the term expat. Glad to have one person who agrees with me.

I didn’t say I was offended by the term, just don’t see why

The issue is these so called expats (term mostly used by British Passport holders) don't want to integrate fully with the Spanish way if life. They prefer to socialise in British run establishments etc. The British public in turn criticize immgrants that enter the UK for not fully integrating into British society! Kettle calling the pot black comes to mind. Spanish authorities call us foreigners and that's what we are. 

Those are usually people who think they are superior to other immigrants, and because they look down on other immigrants, don't want the same term used for them. Just look at how they talk about and treat immigrants in UK.

Exactly.

Sorry, but I just don't see it that way, ex-pat, immigrant, who cares it is how the person behaves that matters. I have been regularly visiting Spain for over 4 years now and I have not noticed the idiotic snobs that you seem to have come across. But if that is your view then so be it, to it but it is not my experience here.

Aitch.

I Love this group. Here we are trying to work out what to call ourselves. Topics like this are very important, in that it reminds us that we have moved here from our own home land. What ever the term we wish to use, the important thing is to do our best to ensure that, we get involved in the local culture and respect their values. Whilst some might think topics like this, is a waste of time, it is a very useful reminder. We are referred to as foreigners but our children and children’s children will not be referred to as foreigners because this is where they know as home and where their loyalty lies.

You mean our children will support Barcelona and Real Madrid instead of Man. Utd. and Liverpool ? Are you sure ?

I wonder how many of British immigrants are involved in local culture ?